Corrugated Iron Sheet Research Articles

The effects of post-harvest handling on physical, chemical and functional properties of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) seed

Damage by insects and mould, proximate composition, cooking rate and functional properties of sun-dried and stored cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) seeds were evaluated. Cowpea samples spread between black polythene films were placed on cement (CS), Wooden (WS) and corrugated iron sheet (CIS) surfaces, respectively, and sun-dried for 5 h. Storage lasted 6 months in jute and polythene bags. Results show that sun-drying and storage in polythene bags significantly (p< 0.05) lowered the extent of insect and mould damage, moisture-loss at drying, emulsion activity and stability, foaming capacity and foam stability. Treated cowpea seeds could be stored safely for about 5 months. In contrast, storage in jute bags significantly (p< 0.05) lowered only foam stability. Moisture loss during sun-drying principally lengthened cooking time as storage duration progressed. Therefore, assessment of moisture content before and during storage is a preferred quality index of cowpea seeds stored in polythene bags. # 1999 Society of Chemical Industry 30% in a 6 month storage has been reported. 2 The choice of appropriate drying techniques for food crops in the tropics is based on cost. Sun-drying is attractive to the small-scale farmers who are respon- sible for the production and preservation of the majority of the food crops in developing countries. Spreading of soyabean seeds on cement floors covered with black polythene film in order to enhance the retention of solar energy during sun-drying is a recent practice. 3 The effect of heat treatment on functional properties of raw and processed brown bean (Cana- valia rosea DC) flour has been reported. 4 The quality of cowpeas dried on different surfaces, such as cement, wood and corrugated iron sheet, has not been investigated. The objectives of the present study were, therefore, to evaluate the effects of sun- drying using the surfaces mentioned on the rate of

Effect of different sun-drying surfaces on the functional properties, cooking and insect infestation of cowpea seeds

Three traditional sun-drying surfaces, a wooden surface (WS), a corrugated iron sheet surface (CIS) and a cement surface (CS) were used to disinfect cowpea ( Vigna ungiculata) seeds for 5 h in the sun. The values of foam capacity, fats and water absorption capacities, emulsion capacity, mould and insect infestations were lower in the dried samples than in the control. The wooden surface (WS) was the most effective sun-drying surface in terms of insect disinfestation, and functional-property retention. The water and fat absorption capacities and emulsifying activities were generally improved with storage. The cooking time was highly correlated ( r = 0·987–0·993) with storage period for all the surfaces tested.

Environmental variables affect the hard-to-cook phenomenon of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) seed.

Changes in moisture content and cooking rate of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) seeds which were sun-dried for 5 hours on cement, wood, or corrugated iron sheet surfaces and packaged for 6 months in jute or polythene bags were studied. Relationships and effects of interacting variables studied were examined using the contrast analysis technique. From day zero to about 2 months of storage, the sun-dried samples had significantly (p<0.01) lower moisture content and longer cooking times than the corresponding control samples. However, moisture-gain and cooking time increased progressively throughout the storage period for all samples studied. The relationship between these two variables, tested at p = 0.01 using contrast analysis technique, was dependent on the choice of packaging material.

The effects of sun-drying surfaces and packaging materials on the storability of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) seed.

The effects of sun-drying cowpea seeds for three hours on cement (CS), wood (WS), and corrugated iron sheet (CIS) surfaces and packaging separately in polyethene and jute bags were studied. Moisture-gain, and resistance to insect and mold damage were monitored monthly for six months, while proximate analyses on day zero and at the 6th month were conducted. Results showed that the three-hour sun-drying of cowpea seeds on reflective surfaces (CIS and CS) enhanced the rate of moisture-reabsorption during storage and consequently, the degree of mold and insect damage irrespective of the packaging material employed. Crude fat, fiber and ash contents, unlike protein and moisture contents, remained virtually constant (p < or = 0.05). In this study, the wood surface and polyethene bag were the most preferred treatments to store sun-dried cowpea seeds for about 5.7 months.

Case for Neutrino Mass Gathers Weight

Case for Neutrino Mass Gathers Weight

Performance of natural fibre reinforced mortar roofing tiles

Interest in natural fibres as reinforcement in developing countries arose (when the use of steel and glass fibres in the industrialized countries was being researched and developed in the late 1960s) mostly because of their lower cost and better availability in the developing world. The use of natural fibres as reinforcement for mortar to be used mainly for roofing has been debated for a long time. Initially, it was rightly thought that natural fibres will adversely affect the setting of Portland cement and as such they should not be used. Later on it was found that natural fibres are embrittled by the hydration products of Portland cement and made ineffective within a short time, especially in hot climates. While such discussions were going on, the initially adopted large corrugated roofing sheet (corrugated iron sheet size) was being found impractical (mainly because of handling and curing problems) and its size was being reduced gradually. The present paper discusses difficulties encountered in the production and use of natural fibre reinforced mortar roofing tiles and means of reducing the adverse effects of Portland cement hydration products on the performance of natural fibres in mortar.

Solarisation of a seed drier in Mauritius

Drying agricultural food crops is very energy intensive. In Mauritius, much precious foreign exchange is imported annually for the sole purpose of drying crops in conventional industrial driers. The aim of this project is to investigate the technological and economic feasability of utilising solar energy to dry food crops. It is proposed to design, construct and test a solar system to be integrated to a conventional drier: the roof top, made of corrugated iron sheets, of the building housing the batch drier has been converted into a solar preheater. A mathematical model has been made. After its validation by comparison with experimental measures, it is possible to optimize the design of the solar roof.

Ear‐to‐ground

Kagati airfield in Kenya is to be the scene or an interesting first flight on Christmas Day, according to a report in the Daily Nation, of Nairobi. The aircraft is at present under construction by Mr Morris Tito Gachamba. Span is to be 39 ft., with an 18 ft. long fuselage. The powerplant is a 650 cc. motorcycle engine. The machine is to be painted green and it will have the Kanu flag colours on the fin. This is the second home‐built aeroplane that Mr Gachamba has constructed, and has been named ‘Kenya One’. Mr Gachamba has spent £42 10s. on the project to date, and is now seeking a sponsor. Mr G. N. Githinji, vice‐chairman of the Nyeri County Council, inspected the aircraft recently and has donated four corrugated iron sheets for the wings.

THE SANITARY DISPOSAL &amp; AGRICULTURAL UTILISATION OF HABITATION WASTES BY THE INDORE PROCESS

The essential part is the charging trench, which should be fifteen feet wide, and two leet deep. The floor must slope gently along its length to prevent water-logging, and must discharge into a natural drainage channel. It must be served by a road to be used as a charging platform running alongside. This rond may lie between two trenches, serving ench, and usually the most eco- nomical construction is to dig the trenches one foot deep and pile enough of the excavated earth to make the road foundation. The road should be at least fifteen feet wide (preferably twenty feet) and suitably metalled to stand carting in wet weather. The side of the trench against the road must be vertical and should be reveted with timber or a wall of stone or brick, the top of which should carry a sill of suitable material (e.g., old steel rails, girders, or heavy logs) ngainst which carts can back. Without this sill a log must be put in position at each tipping! The other side of the trench is to be bunded, preferably by a partition, the top half of which is removable-old sleepers, boards, logs, or thick corrugated iron sheet between upright posts-or by an carth, stone or brick wall, rising two feet above the trench floor. Beyond this partition about twenty fect space must be left for storage: in practice extensive sales of compost are usually confined to two or three periods of the year. This storage ground may be excavated level with the bottom of the trench if desired. Unless dug on solid stony ground, the trench must always be floored with road metal or at least well-rammed brick-bats and rubble; the storage ground is also better so treated. It is wise to build an earth bank with a drain on those sides of the whole installation from which the flow of surface water is to be feared.