Cottage Level Research Articles

Food safety and surveillance studies on the quality of traditional cold-pressed edible vegetable oils

This study has been conducted to investigate quality and safety of cold-pressed vegetable oils processed at cottage level industries. A total number of 75 samples of coconut, groundnut, and sesame oils collected from different districts of Tamil Nadu, analyzed to ascertain its quality and safety in compliance with the Food Safety Standard Regulations (FSSR) of FSSAI, 2011. Physico – chemical, fatty acid profile, vitamin and trace elemental analysis were carried out. Results revealed that though some of the oils samples are complied with the specification as per the standard, but on the other side 80% of the collected samples were found to fail in meeting at least for one parameter as per the requirements. Results are in deviations for the parameters such as refractive index, specific gravity, iodine value, and saponification value are also noticed and few samples are reported positive results for the presence of mineral oil and argemone oil and possibilities for adulteration. Notably, 15 samples were found to comply with the requirements for physiochemical parameters, fatty acid profiles and trace element levels which are found below permissible limits (≤0.05 mg/kg). Vitamin E was detected only in coconut oil (0.1059 to 0.1622 mg/100g). Whereas, antioxidant assay and color, remained satisfactory. Overall, the study underscores the importance of consumer awareness and adherence to established standards to ensure the integrity and safety of edible oils, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and enforcement efforts to address identified shortcomings and uphold market integrity.

PENGEMBANGAN KEILMUAN SANTRI MELALUI SELEKSI AKTIVIS BAHTSUL MASAIL DI MADRASAH HIDAYATUL MUBTADIIN LIRBOYO KEDIRI

This article aims to discuss the scientific development of santri through the selection of Bahtsul Masail activists at Madrasah Hidayatul Mubtadiin Lirboyo Kediri. This research is qualitative research type. Data were collected through structured interviews and analyzed with descriptive analysis techniques. In this study, the results obtained are: The form of implementation of Bahtsul Masail activist selection in Hidayatul Mubtadiin Lirboyo Madrasah is through various deliberation forums and Bahtsul Masail. The results of the selection of Bahtsul Masail activists are carried out through several stages: First, recruiting Bahtsul Masail activists through special programs of Lajnah Bahtsul Masail such as the implementation of sorogan, takhasus and musyawaroh forums. Second, recruiting grade-level Bahtsul Masail activists through the kubro musyawaroh program (Muskub), combined musyawaroh (Musgab) for Tsanawiyah level students. Fathul Qorib and Al-Mahalli musyawaroh programs for Aliyah level students. Third, recruiting Bahtsul Masail activists through Bahtsul Masail at the cottage level. The implementation of the selection of Bahtsul Masail activists on the scientific development of students has a positive impact, including training public speaking, analyzing problems, utilizing self-potential from the works of previous scholars and training critical thinking intelligence.

Modernization of leather industry and chequered history of technical education in colonial Kanpur

Modernization of industry in the western world was determined by application as well as the training of man for applying science in industry. The leather industry which was manufacturing at the cottage level did not resist this modernization. The leather industry in India employed the most depressed class of the Indian society. On the one hand, modernization of leather industry was determined by application of science, while on the other by the training of the workforce. The latter invoked political and social factors like state policy for technical education, receiving of technical education by artisan class and employment opportunity for the skilled workforce. By the late nineteenth century, Kanpur emerged as the prominent centre of modern leather industry in colonial India due to military needs of the British Indian army. The reasons for slow growth of science and technology in colonial India have been extensively examined by scholars but the configuration of industry at the local level, the role of social composition of the workforce in the modernization and the inception of technical education have been less examined. The present paper seeks to address the questions as to the factors which led to the emergence of modern leather industry in Kanpur; the nature of its organization and the relationship between leather industry and institutionalization of technical education for this industry.

RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY FOR OPTIMIZATION OF FLAKING PROCESS FROM PROCESSING OF SELECTED PADDY HYBRID

The flaked rice popularly called as poha is famous in cottage level for its nutritional value as well as snack food. Snack foods plays a major role in children’s growth of vital parts and size and hence this snack food industry especially flaked rice has become common in day today life. The paddy hybrids of low cost if converted into snack food fetches a huge market value both in inland and in export and the selected variables for this processing of flaked rice includes, soaking time, roasting temperature, roasting time,drying temperature and flaking time. The hybrids selected are of different characteristics and the conditions of processing for making of flaked rice differs from each other. Hence the process is optimized for each and every variety separately. The optimized product is of good characteristics in appearance and taste is also tested for the commercialisation of the optimized process. The three different levels selected were in soaking time, 24 h, 36 h and 48 h, roasting temperature, 170 °C, 180 °C and 190 °C, roasting time, 2, 4 and 6 min, gap between rollers, 2, 3 and 4 mm and flaking time, 60, 90 and 120 sec. The optimizations of all these 5 parameters were made for a maximised yield of flaked rice and the hyrbids performing on par with IR-64, the ruling check variety is found out and has to be commercialized so that the cost involved in the check variety, IR-64 can be ruled out and hybrid can be replaced. The optimum conditions of PA-6444 for maximised yield of 0.42 g/kg of paddy hybrid were, 48.0h of soaking time, 190 °C of roasting temperature, 2.0min of roasting time, 2 mm of gap between rollers and 120sec of flaking time. The central composite design was performed with 27 runs in RSM in Minitab 17.0 sofware. The analysis of variance showed that, soaking time and gap between rollers had significant change in the output yield of flaked rice. Mean yield of PA-6444 is 380.75±9.68, minimum of yield is 305.00±9.68, maximum of yield is 447.00±9.68, cv is 13.21. Mean yield of IR-64, check variety is 309.48±1.11, minimum of yield is 301.00±1.11, maximum of yield is 317.67±1.11, cv is 1.86. The correlation coefficient between predicted and actual yield for the selected PA6444 hybrid is 0.96 and that of the check variety, IR-64 is 0.94 in flaking of paddy hybrids.

Kokum Butter: Potential Source of in Confectionary Industry

Cocoa butter is an important ingredient in the confectionery industry because of its unique physicochemical properties which are given by its peculiar fatty acid composition. Increasing demand and shortage of supply for cocoa butter, poor quality of individual harvests, economic advantages, and some technological benefits have induced for the development of its alternative or replacer. Kokum kernel is a byproduct of the agro-processing industry in India containing about 40–50 % fat which has the potential as a worthy cocoa butter alternative (CBA). However, inefficient extraction techniques that are practiced at the cottage level restrict its industrial applications.

Isolation, identification and characterization of Lactobacillus species diversity from Meekiri: traditional fermented buffalo milk gels in Sri Lanka

Traditional fermented buffalo milk gel; Meekiri, is a popular buffalo milk-derived product in Sri Lanka. Predominantly, it is produced using the back-slopping (adding a small amount of the previous fermentate) technique, following the life-long traditions available at the cottage level. Hence, diverse and unclassified starter cultures are likely to be established across the varying geographical regions of Meekiri production. In the present study, we aimed to elucidate the diversity of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and their characteristics including probiotic properties from major Meekeri production areas (n = 22) in Sri Lanka. Lactic acid bacteria was isolated from locally produced Meekiri samples (n = 23) and characterized based on morphological, biochemical, physiological profiles and potential of probiotic properties. The isolates revealed five different colony and cell morphologies and were classified as heterofermenters, homofermenters and facultative heterofermenters based on CO2 production using glucose. None of the isolates showed the ability to grow either at 5 °C or 0 °C, while 71 % and 100 % survival of the isolates were observed at 15 °C and 45 °C, respectively. Amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis (ARDRA) primarily grouped the isolates into three distinct clusters based on their DNA banding patterns. Subsequently, 16S rRNA sequencing of isolates revealed the presence of four species namely, Limosilactobacillus fermentum (n = 18), Latilactobacillus curvatus (n = 2), Lactobacillus acidophilus (n = 2) and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (n = 1) and in the phylogenetic analysis, it was represented by four distinctive clades. All the isolated species demonstrated promising probiotic potential with antibiotic sensitivity, antimicrobial properties, bile acid tolerance and acid tolerance. In conclusion, traditional back-slopping Meekiri in Sri Lanka contains diverse LAB, with a negligible geographical variation at species-level. Our work provides a strong foundation and insights into future applications in starter culture development for the fermentation of buffalo's milk.

Micronutrients profiles and nutraceutical potential of developed instant zero “Zobo” blends for a diabetics

Abstract Zobo is a locally produced drink, which possesses numerous health and nutritional potential benefits, especially for the diabetics. Up to date, Zobo is still being produced at cottage level and sold in re-used plastic bottles; apart from short shelf life, this poses the problem of contamination which may lead to food poisoning. This scenario, which limits the acceptability and consumption of the product, served as the driving force for this study. Three different Instant Zero Zobo Blends (IZZB) were developed from Roselle flower (Hibiscus sabdariffa), pineapple, date, garlic, and ginger using the methods of infusion, dehydration, and pulverization. DPPH and FRAP antioxidant activities, minerals, and vitamin contents of the products were determined using standard analytical procedures. DPPH values ranged from 44.92 to 69.88%, while FRAP value ranged from 2.53 to 3.23 Mg/GAE/g. Sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron and zinc contents ranged from 58.57 to 65.27 ppm, 17.07–20.47 ppm, 275.43–350.53 ppm, 15.34–21.31 ppm, 0.85–1.37 ppm, and 0.64–1.12 ppm, respectively. The vitamin B1 content was 0.71–0.73 mg/100 g while vitamin C content is negligible. The developed zobo drink has appreciable antioxidant activities and a good array of mineral elements. This study has established the possibility of producing convenient, ready to drink, shelf-stable zobo drink with nutraceutical potential.

Value Chain Analysis of Sesame in Bade and Jakusko Local Government Areas of Yobe State, Nigeria

The study analyses value chain of sesame in two Local Government Areas of Yobe State, Nigeria. It specifically examined the socio-economic characteristics of the sesame farmers; characteristics and roles of value chain actors in sesame as well as the profitability of production, processing and marketing of the commodity. Data for the study were obtained from a total of 210 respondents using structured questionnaire and interview. Using descriptive statistics, net margin and value-added models; the results indicate that each actor along the value chain incurred both variable and fixed costs. The results further showed that labour alone accounted for bulk of the total variable cost for all the actors. And the gross margin per hectare was ₦82,367.85 with the return on every naira invested amounting to ₦3.1. The State Agricultural Development Programme should ensure the provision of improved varieties of sesame especially those with high export value and high oil content to the sesame farmers; this agency should also make available cottage level processing and utilization technologies to sesame producers, marketers and processors to enhance value addition as the commodity moves along the chain. This can bring an increase in overall return of all actors along the chain.

Design of a Dual Operated Cassava Chipper

Size reduction of agricultural products is an essential requirement for their processing and transportation. This research designed and fabricated a manually operated and motorised cassava chipping machine, which is adaptable to the local farmers at the cottage level. The design was carried out by empirically computing the threshold force required for cutting the cassava tubers, with a prior knowledge of the length (350 mm) and thickness (1.5 mm) of the cutting blades as influencing indexes. Also, the capacity of the machine was evaluated using six different cutting forces above and below the cutting threshold force (68.99 N). The results show that the cutting force increased exponentially with the length and diameter of the tuber. Also, less force was required to chip cassava tuber with longer length and shorter diameter probably due to the presence of inner and central crack defects, which is capable of forming easy crack initiation points with the slightest blade effort . The size of the electric motor required was a single phase 1 hp (4500 rpm), which is capable of powering the machine to an approximate capacity of 225 kg/h and comparable to the required human effort. The machine was also found effective in chipping cassava tuber to average size of 30 mm.

Design, fabrication and testing of a cassava pelletizer

This paper reports on the design of fabrication and testing of a machine for cottage level production of pellets from cassava mash. The pelletizer consists of a barreled screw auger which compresses cassava mash against perforated end plate, through which the pellets are pelletized. The result derived from the calculated design parameters (shaft diameter, tensile stress, torque, screw length, volumetric capacity mass flow rate and power rating) were used for the fabrication. The testing of the pelletizer was determined in terms of throughput of the machine, against the moisture content of the mash (18, 20 and 22% w.b.), die size (4, 6 and 8 mm) and the auger speed (90, 100 and 120 rpm). Test results showed that the pellets with the best quality attributes were obtained from cassava mash at 18% moisture content (w.b.) through the 4 mm die at 90 rpm and a maximum throughput of 54 kg/h.

An overview on floral diversity of Arawali forest: A potential source for natural dyes

The present study presents an overview on floral diversity and identifies Non-timber Forest Products (NTFP) that can be used as Natural Dye sources in textile sector. This was a descriptive study; Historical, as well as current data was collected through surveys and interviews. Individual and focus group interviews with tribal members were conducted to gather information regarding details of forest proximity. This collective study indicates that the Aravalli hill ranges constitute the most dominant hilly area of Rajasthan. Most of the forests are over the hilly areas i.e. in Udaipur, Rajasamand, Kota, Baran Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Sirohi, Bundi, Alwar, Jhalawar and Banswara districts, which make up for about 50 per cent of the forests of the state. Khakara, semal, rohida, gadha palash, mokha, marod phalli, davai, van gulab etc. are identified as red chroma, amaltash, awla, gundhi, babool etc.are identified as yellow and related chroma. Forests are major components of the earth’s natural resources and they are increasingly critical to the welfare of the economy, environment, and population. Gum products, starch products, antimicrobial resources, paper industry products may be collected from hilly forest areas and can be easily adopted at cottage level for gainful employment of tribal women.

Development of a Prototype Pots and Potsherds Kilns for Facilitating Ceramic Wares Firing in Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria

The purpose of this research is to design and produce a gas and wood fired kilns with waste pots and potsherds that are as efficient as electricity and gas operated kilns which are built using conventional refractory bricks. Waste pots and potsherds were collected from two different pot producing communities, that is, Ojah in Akoko Edo and Imiegba in Etsako Central Local Government Ares of Edo State. To determine the suitability of the sample pots and potsherds collected for the construction of the kilns, the following tests were carried out: shrinkage, porosity and insulating tests. Two kilns were designed and constructed, a gas and wood fired kilns. The firing space and the outer wall of the gas kiln were designed to be circular with one burner port using only potsherd and mortar without using whole pots. The wood kiln was designed to have circular internal firing chamber, two fire boxes and a chimney. The kilns were subjected to series of gloss firing with wood and gas as sources of fuel and the maturing temperatures were recorded. The efficiency of the kilns constructed revealed that they were capable of firing to temperature above 1200°C that was originally planned for it to be attained coupled with uniform heat distribution experienced without any indication of cold spot. These kilns are capable of sustaining the deficiency arising from lack of imported kilns that could be used to accomplish finished ceramic productions as it is being currently encountered in Nigerian tertiary institutions and cottage level industries.

Extraction of cocoa butter alternative from kokum (Garcinia indica) kernel by three phase partitioning

Kokum kernel is a byproduct of agro-processing industry in India containing about 40–50% fat which has the potential as a worthy cocoa butter alternative (CBA). However, inefficient extraction techniques that are practiced at cottage level restrict its industrial applications. This work reports on the optimization of the technique of three phase partitioning (TPP) for efficient extraction of kokum kernel fat. The parameters of TPP were optimized with respect to ammonium sulphate concentration, ratio of slurry to t-butanol and pH of slurry. The optimized protocol resulted in maximum recovery of 95% (w/w) fat recovery within 2h. The technique is economical and eco-friendly, and is promising for utilization of agro-processing waste in India to a product of commercial significance.

Cottage Level Cassava Starch Processing Systems in Colombia and Vietnam

In the tropics, cassava starch is produced at artisanal and industrial scales. This paper focuses on a new methodology enabling the technoeconomical comparison of small-scale cassava starch manufacturing process (1–5 t of starch/day) in two markedly different contexts (Colombia and Vietnam). Measurements were conducted during trial runs for each unit operation (washing/pealing, rasping, extraction and separation). Starch mass balance was calculated from sample composition (moisture, starch and crude fiber and ash content). Production capacity, water consumption, electric requirements and capital–labor costs were also measured. The manufacturing processes differed mainly on starch recovery from starch present in washed roots (65 vs. 76%), extraction capacity (0.3 vs. 0.9 t of washed roots/h), water consumption (45 vs. 21 m3/t of dry starch), energy consumption (59 vs. 55 kWh/t of starch) and production costs (1,156 vs. 162 US$/t of starch) for Colombia and Vietnam, respectively. Moreover, the effectiveness of the starch extraction process could largely be attributed to the differences in the extent of root disintegration achieved with different rasping equipment.

The Performance Evaluation of a Cassava Pelletizer

This paper reports on the performance evaluation of a machine for cottage level production of pellets from cassava mash. Peeling, grating and drying freshly harvested cassava tubers, produced cassava flour. The flour was mixed with water at different blend ratios to form cassava mash of different moisture contents. The performance of the pelletizer was evaluated in terms of the density, durability, crushing strength and cyanide content of the pellets, and the throughput of the machine, against the moisture content of the mash (18, 20 and 22 % w.b.), die size (4, 6 and 8 mm) and the auger speed (90, 100 and 120 rpm). Test results showed that the bulk density and the durability of pellets decreased while the moisture content increased significantly (p<0.05) and separately with increasing die size and moisture content of cassava mash. The pellets with the best quality attributes were obtained from cassava mash at 18% moisture content (w.b.) through the 4 mm die at 90 rpm and a maximum throughput of 54 kg/hr. The machine, thus, provides a significant leverage in the utilization of

A simple method for the determination of surface area and activity of activated carbon

The standard tests on adsorption of color, odor, taste, and nonfilterable turbidity (NFT) by different samples of activated charcoal (AC) were conducted. The surface area of each AC sample was determined using the acetic acid adsorption method. The results were then estimated on a methylene blue value (MBV) table developed from the observed number of mils of 0.01M methylene blue (MB) adsorbed by 1 g of AC. The MBV table gave expected capacities and surface areas of different samples of AC that were not significantly different from the values observed by direct analysis at 5% significance level. The MBV test presents a simple field test for evaluating the quality of AC during cottage level production, especially in a developing economy where access to laboratory facilities is either limited or nonexistent.

Development of A Segmented - Screw Type Expeller for Production of Virgin Coconut Oil

A continuous type expeller, which is presently pending a patent, was developed to extract virgin quality coconut oil. Segmented-screw helical ribs with stationary pegs fitted to the screw barrel facilitate forward movement of material without clogging and generating heat. A movable pressure cone fitted at the discharge end provides sufficient pressure inside the screw barrel. Optimum performance of the expeller was at 33.6 RPM of the screw shaft and 10-12 liters of virgin coconut oil in an hour with a 60% oil yield was realised. Sieve analysis of press cake showed that the material was subjected to extensive shearing while compressing, which leads to high oil recovery. Power requirement was 1.38 kW. Since the expeller is operated by a single-phase 2HP motor, it can be used to produce virgin quality coconut oil at cottage level as a self employment. Due to simplicity of the expeller, it can be fabricated in a medium level workshop.

Cottage Sugar Industries as Alternatives for Meeting Nigeria's Domestic Sugar Demands

The sugar industry in Nigeria has failed to meet the domestic sugar consumption demands of the country. The combined production figure of the two major sugar companies at Bacita and Numan stands at less than 1% of the requirement. Inconsistent government policies, uncontrolled sugar imports and the capital-intensive nature of large-scale sugar production could all account for this inadequate production level. The National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI) has developed a 10 tonnes of cane per day (tcd) mini brown sugar plant suitable for cottage level sugar production to complement the large-scale plants' efforts. Outgrower schemes currently operated by the Nigerian Sugar Company, Bacita and the Savannah Sugar Company, Numan are potential sources of the raw materials needed by these cottage industries when established in all the sugar cane-growing communities of Nigeria. Newly opened up farm areas of up to 100,000 ha will also provide canes for the plants. This paper presents some of the problems militating against profitable sugar production by large-scale sugar plants in Nigeria. It also highlights areas of cooperation and support by policy makers and other stakeholders in the sugar industry for increased domestic sugar production. This will facilitate the attainment of domestic sugar self-sufficiency, rural industrialization, social and food security.

Indigenous metal casting in Nigeria: its technology, attendant problems, business prospects and policy implications

The indigenous metal casting for the production of household utensils such as metal pots, spoons and bowls of different sizes are increasingly becoming popular in Nigeria. The production method involves the use of a conventional sand casting procedure in which a two-part flask with a split drag are employed in the moulding. This metal casting is operated at the cottage level and most of the people involved have qualifications below junior secondary school level with no metallurgical or any other engineering background. The problems faced by the industry are technical, operational, organisational and financial in nature. The strategies for ameliorating the problems are established. It was concluded that improved policies, carefully crafted projects and proper management of technology can drastically solve these problems. This small business has good prospects and can be a basis for the development of indigenous technological capability building in metal casting in Nigeria.

Technology transfer and intellectual property: an analysis of the NASA approach

The indigenous metal casting for the production of household utensils such as metal pots, spoons and bowls of different sizes are increasingly becoming popular in Nigeria. The production method involves the use of a conventional sand casting procedure in which a two-part flask with a split drag are employed in the moulding. This metal casting is operated at the cottage level and most of the people involved have qualifications below junior secondary school level with no metallurgical or any other engineering background. The problems faced by the industry are technical, operational, organisational and financial in nature. The strategies for ameliorating the problems are established. It was concluded that improved policies, carefully crafted projects and proper management of technology can drastically solve these problems. This small business has good prospects and can be a basis for the development of indigenous technological capability building in metal casting in Nigeria.