Acceptable Quality Parameters Research Articles

SELECTION OF POTENTIAL CHIPPING ADVANCED POTATO CLONES FOR THE PROCESSING INDUSTRY IN SOUTHERN AND EASTERN INDIA

A multi-location evaluation of 60 advanced processing clones was undertaken in the selected locations of south viz., Karnataka (Rabi and Kharif), Tamil Nadu (Kharif), Telangana (Rabi) and in Rabi crop season of West Bengal. Based on four-year trials, among advanced clones, viz., MP/12-126 consistently outperformed others during 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23 in the Rabi season at different locations in Karnataka. However, MP/12-126 had almost similar yield but acceptable quality parameters as compared to controls in the Kharif seasons of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. MP/14-171 was found to have higher yield and acceptable quality traits during 2020-21, 2021-22 in the rabi season of Karnataka and Kharif season of Tamil Nadu during 2023. During the rabi season of West Bengal (2020-21, 2022-23) and the rabi season of Karnataka (2022-23) advanced clone MP/15-698 had superior performance. MP/15-651 was found to be the most widely adapted clone as it has superior performance in all states either in Rabi/Kharif or both. Based on a four-year field trial at multiple locations (6 locations) and seasons (rabi and kharif), advanced clones namely MP/12-126, MP/14-171, MP/15-651 and MP/15-698 have the potential to provide a suitable alternative to the potato growers of south and eastern India as against the existing variety/varieties with acceptable chip colour, high dry matter (>20%) and lesser total potato defects including higher process grade potato yield as compared to controls.

Andiroba oil (Carapa guianensis): Descriptive analysis and applicability

Andiroba oil (Carapa guianensis) is widely used in the Amazon region and elsewhere. Commercial products containing andiroba oil are available for various purposes. In this study, oil obtained using a traditional process was studied. The oil exhibited acceptable quality parameters. The major cations were Ca, K, and Na. Oleic acid was the major fatty acid in the lipid fraction. Hexanal was the major volatile compound. Owing to its composition, we hypothesized that andiroba oil could have insect repellent or antibacterial effects. Its repellent ability against weevils (Acanthoscelides obtectus) was high, although no antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, or Salmonella was observed.

Fatigue Performance of Recycled Asphalt Mixtures: Viscoelastic Continuum Damage Approach and Cost Analysis

This study aims to evaluate the fatigue phenomenon in recycled hot asphalt mixture for an asphalt surface layer. Eight mixtures were evaluated in the laboratory, and the samples were divided into two major groups: four mixtures containing neat binder and RAP from source 1 (RAP with neat binder) and four mixtures containing SBS-modified binder and RAP from source 2 (RAP with SBS-modified binder). The levels of RAP incorporation were 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% in relation to the total weight of the mixtures. The mixtures followed the Marshall mix design methodology. The results indicate that mixtures with polymer-modified binder presented better performance, whereas the addition of RAP slightly decreased the resistance to fatigue cracking. In terms of economic analysis, the use of RAP, for all cases, leads to a reduction in production costs due to the reduction of the binder and aggregate added, with savings of up to 14.1% in the case of 30% of RAP for the SBS binder. When evaluating the economic impact of inserting RAP and its relationship with fatigue performance in the long term, it can be observed that the type of binder added impacts the results: mixtures with SBS binder present economic gains within acceptable quality parameters up to 30% RAP insertion; for mixtures with neat binder, the percentage of up to 10% RAP is advantageous.

Using Osmotic Pumps to Induce the Production of Gametes in Male and Female European Eels.

Simple SummaryThe European eel is a species with high commercial value for aquaculture, and it has suffered a drastic reduction of its natural stocks during the last decades; thus, breeding in captivity is nowadays considered essential to avoid the extinction of the species. In this sense, a new method to maturate the European eel (males and females) for eel aquaculture has been studied. For the first time in the European eel, a controlled release hormone system (osmotic pumps) has been tested, which allowed to induce the testis maturation and sperm production in part of the males as well as a very early maturation and ovulation in the females.The European eel (Anguilla anguilla) is a commercially valued species for aquaculture. Over the past decades, it has experienced a drastic reduction in its natural stocks. Thus, breeding in captivity is considered essential, nowadays, to guarantee the eel aquaculture and to reduce pressure on natural populations. Traditionally, the European eel has been sexually matured by means of weekly hormonal injections, which cause stress to the fish. The purpose of this research study was to assess the use of osmotic pumps as a new method to induce sexual maturation in male and female European eels, without the weekly injection. The control groups were treated with weekly hormone injections (recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin for males and carp pituitary extract for females), and the implanted groups were treated with osmotic pumps (ALZET® osmotic pumps) loaded with the respective hormones. Regarding male European eels, this study shows that the use of controlled release systems was able to induce the maturation and spermiation, but without the necessary capacity to produce enough gametes with acceptable quality parameters that could meet the needs of a commercial eel hatchery. Concerning female European eels, the study demonstrates that the use of osmotic pumps loaded with CPE became an effective method, generating early maturations (4 to 10 weeks) in 50% of the females, so this method could become a viable alternative for eel hatchery procedures.

Effect of process variables on the physicochemical and rheological properties of yogurt

In this research, the effect of the lactic starter culture, the fermentation time, the incubation temperature and the percentage of fat on the firmness and consistency of a fermented milk drink was evaluated through physicochemical characteristics of total acidity, pH, syneresis and flow behavior. The purpose was to find the best formulation that extends the shelf life of yogurt, leading to an improvement in the manufacturing process of a local dairy company in Barrancabermeja (Santander, Colombia). Quality criteria were evaluated by means of the percentage of acidity and pH of the yogurt, as well as its syneresis and rheological parameters during a storage time of 24 hours and 7 days in refrigeration. Acceptable quality parameters were obtained for the yogurt prepared with an inoculum concentration of 2%, an incubation temperature of 40°C and an incubation time of 150 minutes. In addition, better properties of firmness and consistency were found, with absence of syneresis and viscosity in the accepted range, for this dairy product.

Formulation and Physicochemical Evaluation of Lab-Based Aloe adigratana Reynolds Shampoos.

Aloe L. species (Aloaceae) are ethnobotanically very valuable plants in many communities and civilizations. Nonetheless, very few species are extensively studied to explore their applications in the pharmaceutical and medical, cosmetic and personal care, food and beverage, and detergent industries. This study evaluated the characteristics and quality of lab-based shampoos formulated from the gel of Aloe adigratana Reynolds. Five shampoo formulations, 20 mL each, were prepared from A. adigratana gel in combination with one to two drops of coconut oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, pure glycerin oil, lemon juice, and vitamin E. Gel mass is prepared from mature, healthy leaves collected from the natural stand. The phytochemistry of the gel of the plant was also studied using phytochemical screening, proximate composition, and GC-MS analysis studies. Shampoo formulations with higher proportion (40 to 50% v/v) of A. adigratana gel were found to have comparable characteristics and qualities with a marketed shampoo. They fall within the range of acceptable quality parameters of commercial shampoos. The phytochemical studies of A. adigratana gel showed that the plant is the source of highly valued compounds for the preparation of shampoos. The gel was found to be rich in saponins as well as dodecanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, and phytol. Future works should focus in the development of refined protocol towards formulating A. adigratana-based shampoos.

FORMULATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF JAMS PRODUCT OF LOCAL FRUITS HAVING POTENTIAL NUTRITIONAL VALUE

Apple, guava and strawberry are important fruits extensively grown in Pakistan. Owing to their considerable nutritional significance, often marketed as "super-fruits". Due to inappropriate handling, transportation and processing 40-45% of the fruits are spoiled. These losses of the seasonal surplus of the fruits can be avoided by processing and preserving the fruit into different products like mixed jam, juice, nectar and jelly. Keeping in view the perishable nature of fruits, current study was designed with an objective to prepare different treatments of mixed jam having acceptable quality parameters as well as consumer acceptability. For this purpose, five treatments of jam were prepared at laboratory scale. After preliminary analysis of fruits, all the five treatments were analyzed for physico-chemical (pH, TSS, Titratable acidity, reducing sugars and non-reducing sugars), and sensory analysis for an interval of 7 days during 1 month storage period. The results of different treatments of jam showed a highly variable trend. pH, non-reducing sugars and all sensory parameters showed a decreasing trend during storage. Opposite is the case with acidity, total soluble solids, as well as reducing sugars. Sensory analysis indicated that the order of preference for jam treatments was T4>T3>T2>T0>T1>T5. Study suggests that losses in fresh fruits can be curtailed by processing it into mixed jam.

Processing of pre-cooked frozen Brussels sprouts: Heat transfer modelling as related to enzyme inactivation and quality stability

The finite element numerical method was applied to simulate heat transfer processes (heating, cooling and freezing) in irregular domains during the production of precooked frozen Brussels sprouts; the effect of temperature on thermo-physical properties in the partial differential equation, and experimental heat transfer coefficients were considered. During precooking, heat transfer was coupled to the inactivation kinetics of thermo-labile and thermo-resistant fractions of peroxidase. The temperature distribution, and enzyme activity in the vegetable domain were modeled; these simulations were validated, obtaining a satisfactory agreement between the predicted values and: (i) the experimental time-temperature curves, (ii) the residual enzyme activity of peroxidase measured in the vegetable.The simulation of the time-temperature curve during the freezing process is a complex nonlinear problem that requires knowledge of the thermo physical properties changing with temperature. A change of variables based on Enthalpy and Kirchhoff formulations, was adopted for the numerical solution. The effects of precooking times (3,6,10min) on quality parameters of the frozen vegetable (Browing Index, textural properties, residual peroxidase activity, ascorbic acid content) were measured in the samples after freezing and storage during 4 months at −20°C. The pre-cooking time was optimized to get acceptable quality parameters avoiding peroxidase reactivation during frozen storage.

Rheological behavior of cupuaçu and tapereba juice with added inulin

Rheological behavior of liquid foods is an important physiochemical characteristic for processing in the food industry. The objective of this work is to evaluate the rheological behavior of cupuacu and tapereba juice with added inulin. Analyses of centesimal composition, soluble solids, pH and titratable acidity of pulp and juice were performed, plus rheology of inulin-added juices at temperatures of 5, 25 and 45°C. The rheological data were adjusted for the power law model. The centesimal composition confirmed the physiochemical characteristics of fruit pulps, with acceptable quality parameters and recommendations by current legislation. It was observed that temperature and addition of solids (inulin) influenced the rheological behavior of cupuacu and tapereba juice, with viscosity reduction with increasing temperature; and increase in viscosity with the addition of inulin. The power law adjusted the flow curve data, evidencing the pseudo-plastic behavior of fruit juices. The rheological behavior of juices is an important tool in the food industry as it helps in the dimensioning of transmission lines and unit operations equipment such as pasteurizers.

Considerations on Drinking Water Management in the Moldavian Plateau and Plain Region

Abstract The Moldavian Plateau and Plain have few drinking water sources (the case of Iaşi and Vaslui Counties). The main type of fresh water sources are groundwater and surface water. The Moldavian Plateau rural settlements are affected the most by the lack of viable, unpolluted water sources to ensure a volume able to cover the consumers’ demand. The pollution phenomenon induced by the non-availability of rural sewerage systems and also by the settlements’ areas foundation rocks have decreased the groundwater and surface water sources quality parameters. The adduction, transport and distribution networks of water supply systems are affected by the „water loss“ phenomenon. Water management in a transmission and distribution network must correlate the number of water sources, available volume, acceptable quality parameters and inherent water losses from networks with the consumers’ demands. The optimisation of water management in a given geographic space has led to the establishment of „regional water supply systems“. This process relies on the minimisation of water losses. The case study carried out in Iaşi County shows the importance of the regional water supply system development through optimal exploitation of Moldavian Plateau and Plain water sources.

Physicochemical Characteristics of Protein-Enriched Restructured Beef Steaks with Phosphates, Transglutaminase, and Elasticised Package Forming

Restructured beef steaks were formulated by adding protein-rich ingredients (pea protein isolate (PPI), rice protein (RP), and lentil flour (LF) (at 4 and 8%)), phosphate (0.2%), and two binding agents: 1% (TG) and 0.15% (TS). The effects of their addition on the physicochemical properties of the beef steaks were investigated. Protein content of the RP8TG sample was significantly higher than that of the control in both the raw and cooked state. Raw LF4TS exhibited greater (P<0.01) a∗ values than the control; however, after the cooking process, L∗, a∗, and b∗ values were similar for all treatments. Textural assessment showed that elevating protein level increased (P<0.001) hardness, chewiness, cohesiveness, and gumminess in cooked restructured steaks. LF addition reduced all textural values assessed, indicating a strong plant protein effect on texture modification. The commercial binder produced a better bind in combination with protein ingredients. This facilitated the production of uniformed restructured beef steaks from low-value beef muscles with acceptable quality parameters using a novel process technology.

Математична модель оптимальної структури вугільної продукції для ТЕС України із врахуванням екологічних обмежень

Ситуація, що склалася в ПЕК України, а також вибір шляхів підвищення надійності та ефективності системи паливозабезпечення і паливовикористання зумовила необхідність розробки математичного апарату для вибору оптимальних шляхів і обсягів паливозабезпечення ТЕС залежно від цінового фактора конкретного виду вугільної продукції із врахуванням плати за викиди шкідливих забруднювачів та нормативів на допустимі обсяги відповідних видів забруднювачів. Метою даного дослідження є розроблення математичної моделі постачання вугільної продукції для ТЕС в умовах можливих імпортних поставок, та продукції власного виробництва при мінімальних фінансових витратах за певних рівнів встановлених екологічних обмежень. Для досягнення цієї мети сформульована математична постановка задачі, для вирішення якої використано спеціальний інструмент електронних таблиць MS Execel «Поиск решения». Розв’язок задачі забезпечує оптимальну структуру запасів палива для ТЕС країни з допустимими параметрами якості при мінімальній вартості вугільної продукції та плати за викиди при допустимих нормованих рівнях викидів. На основі запропонованої моделі надалі буде розраховано оптимальну структуру забезпечення паливом семи ТЕС, які споживають вугілля газової групи, що задовольняє як за обсягами умовного палива, так і за його калорійністю відповідно до проектних характеристик електростанцій із врахуванням екологічних обмежень.

Persistent aggregates in apheresis platelet concentrates.

Aggregates often appear during apheresis. Sometimes, these persist throughout storage, causing product wastage. This study assessed product quality of apheresis concentrates containing persistent aggregates (PA) and aimed to identify the factors that contribute to their formation. Donation (n=180) and platelet indices (n≥10) from apheresis concentrates with PA were compared with aggregate-free products. The proportion of donors with at least one previous PA donation was twofold higher in the PA group (P<0·0001) indicating a donor dependence. Significantly higher donor whole blood platelet counts (286±50 vs. 266±49×10(3) /μl, P<0·0001) and higher apheresis yields (6·0±1·6 vs. 5·4±1·5×10(11) , P<0·0001) were noted in the PA group. Haematocrit was also slightly higher, but age, gender and body mass were similar. The pH of PA products on day six postdonation was significantly lower (P<0·001), in line with higher lactic acid concentrations. Flow cytometry showed no differences in GPIbα levels or phosphatidylserine exposure. However, there was slightly more integrin activation as well as increased degranulation measured by P-selectin expression. Cytokine concentrations were also significantly higher in PA concentrates. Aggregation was normal in response to SFLLRN peptide and collagen stimulation, but agglutination at low-dose ristocetin was significantly higher (P=0.01) in PA products. Finally, PA were disintegrated by plasmin-mediated thrombolysis but not by integrin αIIb β3 inhibition. Products with PA have acceptable quality parameters, but additional functional studies are warranted. Furthermore, PA are more likely to recur in certain donors who have higher platelet counts.

Quality and Safety Analysis for some Traditional Homemade Fruit Distillates from Transylvania (North West Romania)

There were analyzed nine homemade samples of plum and apple distillates (brandies) originating from different areas of Romania- Transylvania (Maramureş, Cluj, Bistriţa-Năsăud counties). There were investigated some quality parameters (alcohol concentration, relative density, total dry extract, pH and total acidity) as well two safety markers (organo chlorinated pesticides and heavy metals - lead and copper). The methods used were routine determinations for quality analysis while, gas-chromatographic (GC-FID) quantitative evaluation of organo chlorinated pesticides and atomic absorption analysis for heavy metals. We found generally acceptable quality parameters, included in the standardized limits, while for safety, three samples were found to contain pesticides and two samples to contain higher concentrations of lead or copper. Further investigations will be focused more on safety parameters of a larger number of samples from Transylvania

OPTIMIZATION OF PRE‐FRY DRYING OF YAM SLICES USING RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY

ABSTRACTThe effect of convective hot‐air drying pretreatment and frying time at a frying temperature of 170 ± 1C on moisture and oil contents, breaking force (crispness) and color parameters of yam chips was investigated. Response surface methodology technique was used to develop models for the responses as a result of variation in levels of drying temperature (60–80C), drying time (1–5°min) and frying time (2–6°min). Drying pretreatment had a significant effect on oil and moisture contents, breaking force and color parameters of yam chips, with water removal exhibiting a typical drying profile. Response surface regression analysis shows that responses were significantly (P &lt; 0.05) correlated with drying temperature and time and frying time. The optimum pre‐fry drying condition observed was a drying temperature of 70–75C for about 3–4 min while frying for 4–5 min.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSDeep‐fat frying is a very important cooking method and a lot of effort has been devoted to manufacturing fried products with lower oil content and acceptable quality parameters. The information provided in this work will be very useful in manufacturing fried yam chips of acceptable quality attributes through the combination of drying pretreatment conditions. The result is very useful in considering different processing variables and responses at the same time as compared with single factor experiment common in the literature.

Effects of potassium sorbate on postharvest brown rot of stone fruit.

The effect of potassium sorbate (K-sorb), a low-toxicity chemical, to control Monilinia spp. was investigated. Preliminary in vitro studies found the MIC of K-sorb for conidial germination and mycelial growth was, respectively, 260 and 1,250 mg/ liter. Immersion of naturally infected peach and nectarine fruit in a solution (15 g/liter) of K-sorb for 120 s reduced brown rot by over 80% in four of five trials. Although treated fruits showed a significant reduction in firmness with respect to the control, they did not reach the overripe stage and retained acceptable quality parameters. In an attempt to elucidate the mechanism of action for K-sorb, the inhibition of enzymatic activity by K-sorb was also tested. In a radial diffusion assay, the addition of K-sorb to agarose reduced polygalacturonase (PG) activity across the concentrations considered. The greatest reduction (54.3%, with respect to the control) was obtained at a sorbate concentration of 15 g/liter. PG kinetic activity of Monilinia laxa observed by a spectrophotometric assay peaked after 40 min in all samples tested. PG activity was significantly higher in the control than in the samples with increased K-sorb concentrations. In conclusion, based on these findings, K-sorb can be recommended as a low-toxicity antifungal compound against Monilinia spp. in peaches and nectarines with its mode of action probably depending in part on the inhibition of PG activity in M. laxa.

Irradiation To Kill Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella on Ready-to-Eat Radish and Mung Bean Sprouts

A study was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of ionizing radiation in eliminating Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella on commercial ready-to-eat radish and mung bean sprouts and to assess the chemical and physical quality of these sprouts. The use of ionizing radiation was investigated as a means of reducing or totally inactivating these pathogens, if present, on the sprouts. Treatment of mung bean and radish sprouts with a dose of 1.5 and 2.0 kGy, respectively, significantly reduced E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella to nondetectable limits. The total vitamin C content was gradually reduced with the increase in irradiation dose (P < 0.0001). However, the effect of storage interval on the loss of vitamin C was nonsignificant for radish sprouts and significant for mung bean sprouts (P < 0.04). The color, firmness, and overall visual quality of the tested sprouts were acceptable when effective doses were applied to both radish and mung bean sprouts. Therefore, ionizing radiation could be useful in reducing the population of pathogens on sprouts and yet retain acceptable quality parameters.

Estimating nitrogen requirements for irrigated malting barley

Abstract The production of marketable malting barley requires careful N management to meet the quality standards set by the malting industry. Nine field trials were conducted over an eight‐year period at four locations to develop N fertilization guidelines for irrigated malting barley. Residual soil NO3‐N (0 to 60 cm) ranged from 15 to 103 kg N/ha. Nitrogen fertilizer was applied preplant as either urea or NH4NO3 at rates ranging from 0 to 269 kg N/ha. Maximum yields were obtained when the sum of residual plus applied N (available N) was above 110 kg N/ha. However, the percentage of plump kernels generally fell below acceptable levels (85%) when available N exceeded 135 kg N/ha. Grain protein exceeded acceptable levels (12%) when available N was above 210 kg N/ha. Stem NO3‐N sufficiency levels were determined from high‐yielding barley with acceptable quality parameters. At the three‐leaf stage, the barley stem NO3‐N sufficiency level was approximately 6,000 μg/g and decreased to about 1,000 μg/g at the ei...