Simple and efficient approach for shelf-life test on frozen spinach and parsley

A simple test for shelf-life assessment of frozen spinach and parsley is presented. A specific shelf-life test that considers three storage temperatures is proposed to accelerate the rate of quality decay in frozen spinach and parsley. The scope was to provide a reliable and rapid way (one month vs years) to predict shelf-life by using a simple experimental approach and mathematical models based on some physical quality product attributes. Physical properties were evaluated at three storage temperatures: –5°C, –10°C and –26°C, to simulate a possible thermal abuse. Mechanical and thermal indexes were defined measuring maximum compression force (N) and latent heat involved in ice melting (J/g). A zeroorder kinetic model was used to properly fit experimental data and thus to obtain related reaction rates. The determination coefficient indicates that there is a strong linear relation between kinetic parameters at –10°C or –5°C and –26°C. This suggests a reliable procedure for shelf-life estimation, carrying out a test at –10°C or –5°C for one month and extending values to data acquired at – 26°C for the same period of time. The relations obtained from this research have led to a simple practical approach: one day at –10°C could be considered roughly equivalent to 30 days at –26°C. Accordingly, it could be possible to obtain a shelf-life estimation in short time, also considering other similar products.

MHD natural convection and entropy analysis of a nanofluid inside T-shaped baffled enclosure

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to numerically study MHD natural convection and entropy generation of Al2O3-water alumina nanofluid inside of T-shaped baffled cavity which is subjected to a magnetic field. Design/methodology/approach Effect of various geometrical, fluid and flow factors such as aspect ratio of enclosure and baffle length, Rayleigh and Hartmann number of nanofluid have been considered in detail. The hydrodynamics and thermal indexes of nanofluid have been described using streamlines, isotherms and isentropic lines. Findings It is found that by enhancing Hartmann number, symmetrical streamlines gradually lose symmetry and their values decline. It is found that by enhancing Hartmann number, symmetrical streamlines gradually lose symmetry and their values decline. The interesting finding is an increase in the impact of Hartmann number on heat transfer indexes with augmenting Rayleigh number. However, with augmenting Rayleigh number and, thus, strengthening the buoyant forces, the efficacy of Hartmann number one, an index indicating the simultaneous impact of natural heat transfer to entropy generation increases. It is clearly seen that the efficacy of nanofluid on increased Nusselt number enhances with increasing aspect ratio of the enclosure. Based on the results, the Nusselt number generally enhances with the larger baffle length in the enclosure. Finally, with larger Hartmann number and lesser Nusselt one, entropy production is reduced. Originality/value The authors believe that all the results, both numerical and asymptotic, are original and have not been published elsewhere.

Central vasopressin V1-receptors mediate indomethacin-induced antipyresis in rats

Central microinjection or infusion of an arginine vasopressin (AVP) V1-receptor antagonist within the brain of the conscious, unrestrained, and febrile rat inhibited or abolished the antipyretic effects of peripherally administered indomethacin (Indo). The degree of Indo-induced antipyresis was determined by 2-h thermal indexes (degree C.h) calculated from the time of Indo injection. Microinjection of saline or V1-receptor antagonist within the ventral septal area (VSA) of the rat brain immediately followed by intraperitoneal Indo evoked antipyretic responses of -1.63 +/- 0.17 and -0.24 +/- 0.09 degrees C.h, respectively (P less than 0.01). Infusion of the VSA with saline or V1-receptor antagonist before and after Indo resulted in thermal indexes of -1.35 +/- 0.16 and 0.13 +/- 0.30 degree C.h, respectively (P less than 0.01). Central microinjection of a V2-receptor antagonist did not significantly effect Indo-induced antipyresis compared with paired saline controls. Neither saline nor the V1-receptor antagonist affected nonfebrile body temperature when microinjected into the VSA. These data indicate the importance of AVP V1-receptors within the VSA in mediating the potent fever-reducing properties of the antipyretic drug Indo. Furthermore, these data call into question whether prostaglandin synthesis inhibition is a sufficient explanation of drug-induced antipyresis.

Enhanced fever following castration: possible involvement of brain arginine vasopressin

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) is thought to act as an antipyretic in the ventral-septal area (VSA) of the brain. As AVP content of this area has been shown to be virtually eliminated following long-term castration, we have tested the hypothesis that castrated rats would display enhanced fevers. Four months after castration (or sham castration), male Wistar rats were given prostaglandin E1 (200 ng), purified interleukin 1 (25 U), or saline (5 microliters) into a lateral cerebral ventricle. Castrated rats displayed fevers of longer duration, reflected as significantly enhanced thermal indexes, than did age-matched sham-operated controls. Castrated rats also were less able to defend their body temperatures to ambient heat stress but not to ambient cold. AVP content of VSA and lateral septum, but not of hippocampus, of castrated rats was significantly reduced; oxytocin content of the three areas was unchanged following castration. These data support earlier studies concerning effects of castration on septal AVP content and are consistent with the possibility that AVP is an antipyretic in the VSA of the rat.