Inclusion of Spirulina in Floating Fish Feed Production: Protein and Physical Quality

The objective of this study was to investigate effects of Spirulina meal (SM) inclusion in fish feed formulations on their physical and protein content. Four formulations of fish feed were carried out i.e. a control diet with fishmeal (FM) as the single protein source and three others formulations containing Spirulina meal (SM) ingredient in different ratios of FM: SM (w/w) namely 75:25; 50:50 and 25:75 (w/w). All the formulations were processed into pellets using an extruder with a 600 rpm screw speed, 100 °C barrel temperature, and 3 mm diameter of dies. The dried pellets were then evaluated with respect to the protein content and physical properties i.e. expansion ratio, unit density, floatability and hardness. In general, the most optimum pellet formulation was found at the ratio of 25:75 (FM: SM) ingredients resulted in pellet with higher protein (38.89%) and expand ratio (1.65 fold), the lowest unit density (0.473 mg/mm3), the highest floatability (100%) and less hardness (32.53 N). Therefore, formulation of floating fish feed included with Spirulina are an option for improving its protein content and physical properties.

Visceral leishmaniasis control actions: epidemiological indicators for its effectiveness evaluation in a Brazilian urban area

This research applies indicators concerning control of the visceral leishmaniasis canine reservoir in the city of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Data were obtained from the Zoonoses Control Information System (SCZOO) and the Brazilian Information System on Diseases of Notification (SINAN) database. First we analyzed (i) existing associations between canine epidemiological indicators, where the dependent variable was the canine seroprevalence A (2007 to 2013), and the independent variables were, as follows: canine seroprevalence B (2006 to 2012); percentage of positive dogs by ELISA test reagents that were not euthanized; the relationship between the human and canine population; canine population testing coverage by census surveys; and the years of study (2006 to 2013); (ii) then, we examined the association between human visceral leishmaniasis (HVL) cases between 2007 to 2013 and the mentioned variables related to dogs and years. Statistical analysis was done by a generalized linear model (GLM). One unit increases in canine seroprevalence B and canine seroprevalence A were associated to 13% and 12% increases in HVL rates, respectively. The increase in one human/dog ratio unit was associated with a 13% decrease in HVL rates. Canine seroprevalence, human/dog ratio and non-euthanasia of ELISA-reactive dogs in the environment were adequate indicators for analyzing the canine enzootic transmission and the occurrence of HVL cases.

Effects of Twin-Screw Extruders Condition to Physical Properties of Floating Fish Feed

Process production of floating fish feed in a society constrained by processing technology. The objective of this study was to observe effect of condition process of twin screw extruders to the physical and chemical properties of produced of floating fish feed. Ingredients used involve fish meal, soybean meal, corn meal, and tapioca flour. The ingredients are mixed with 15, 20 and 25% water added to the total weight. Extrusion process condition conducted by several treatments i.e screw speed (540, 540, 600, 660 rpm) and barrel temperatures (80, 90, 100, 110, 120℃). In order to study, expansion ratio, unit density, floatability and hardness of feed were observed as physical parameters while chemical properties include moisture and protein content. Experimental result showed that addition 25 % water to the formula gives a good performance of expansion ratio, unit density and floatability than 15% and 20% moisture content. Higher of screw speed produces feed with higher ratio expansion, lower unit density, and higher floatability. The optimum of screw speed is 600 rpm. Meanwhile increasing of barrel temperature caused reduction of unit density, and escalation floatability of feed. Best barrel temperature to meet the physical properties is 120℃. The produced feed contain protein 32.38-41.95% and moisture content 4.37-5.70%.

Development of the husk tomato plant (Physalis ixocarpa Brot.). III. Growth analysis

Growth analysis of husk tomato plants cv. Rendidora was done applying classical methods. Quantities such as the Relative Growth Rate, Leaf Area Ratio, Unit Leaf Rate and others were calculated in order to describe the changes which occur in the <em>Physalis ixocarpa</em> plant during its development from emergence to death. The mentioned quantities comported differently in the four periods of the life of husk tomato, providing a good insight into the changing direction and intensity of the main physiological processes and their mutual balance. It is believed that such recognition of the properties of a plant may help breeders.

Some physical properties of ginkgo nuts and kernels

Some data of the physical properties of ginkgo nuts at a moisture content of 45.53% (±2.07) (wet basis) and of their kernels at 60.13% (± 2.00) (wet basis) are presented in this paper. It consists of the estimation of the mean length, width, thickness, the geometric mean diameter, sphericity, aspect ratio, unit mass, surface area, volume, true density, bulk density, and porosity measures. The coefficient of static friction for nuts and kernels was determined by using plywood, glass, rubber, and galvanized steel sheet. The data are essential in the field of food engineering especially dealing with design and development of machines, and equipment for processing and handling agriculture products.