Foil Packets Research Articles

Seed Quality and Longevity of Four Cowpea Accessions in Relation to Seed Coat Colour

Background: Cowpea is one of the most important legumes grown as a sole crop or integrated into farming systems in Africa. Seed quality plays a crucial role in plant population establishment in stressed environment. However, the behaviour of cowpea seeds with different seed coat colours at storage is not known. The study therefore aimed to assess the effect of seed coat colour on seed quality and longevity of seeds of four cowpea accessions. Methods: Two experiments (field and laboratory) were conducted at the CSIR-Plant Genetic Resources Research Institute, Bunso, Ghana for a period of 3 years. Seeds of four cowpea accessions dried to a moisture content of 7% and packaged in aluminium foil packets were stored at -20°C in a deep freezer for 30 months. The quality of stored seeds was measured by seed vigour and germination percentage at 6, 12, 18, 24 and 30 months after storage (MAS). Before storage, the 100-seed weight and initial seed quality were assessed. Result: The study showed significant differences in seed vigour and germination percentage at 6 and 12 months after storage (MAS) among the four cowpea accessions. Light-coloured accessions (GH7175 and GH8800) of cowpea seeds showed higher vigour and were of better quality than those of dark colours (GH3677 and GH2323) at 6, 12, 18, 24 and 30 months after storage.

Evaluation of Sample Preparation Practices Common with Differential Thermal Analysis of Grapevine Bud Cold Hardiness

<h3>Background and goals</h3> Differential thermal analysis (DTA) is a popular semi-automated method to determine the temperature at which plant tissues freeze. It is used to evaluate effects of environmental variables, genotypes, and agronomic practices on cold hardiness, and as an Extension tool to monitor cold hardiness and provide decision support for growers of many specialty crops. <h3>Methods and key findings</h3> This study evaluated common approaches in sampling and preparation of dormant grapevine compound buds for DTA to provide a reference point as to which adjustments might cause excessive variation in subsequent data. Common adjustments in sample preparation, such as using foil packets, moistened tissue paper, or bud orientation, had no consistent effects on DTA values, typically resulting in a variation of &lt;1°C. The same was true for storage (or shipping conditions) of 24 hrs or less, provided samples were maintained at low, but above-freezing temperatures (1.6 to 4°C). Finally, influence of bud position along the length of the cane was also inconsistent. <h3>Conclusions and significance</h3> The robust nature of DTA for estimating grapevine cold hardiness offsets the potential impact of variation introduced from different sample preparation methods. These results can help those wishing to develop DTA protocols or expand their capacity to conduct DTA analysis to design protocols to best suit their individual program needs. Consistency in DTA approach is likely more important than the specific methods used, especially when comparing relative differences in observed lethal temperatures.

Effect of high temperature drying on seed longevity of Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) accessions

In this paper, we considered the effects of different drying regimes on the subsequent longevity of Bambara groundnut seeds. Freshly harvested Bambara groundnut seeds from 27 genebank accessions were divided into five samples. One sample (control) was immediately dried at 17°C/15% RH and the other samples were dried at 45°C/35% RH for up to eight days, before transfer to 17°C/15% RH. After drying, seed moisture content was raised to 10.9% before packing the seeds in aluminium foil packets and placing at 45°C. Samples were removed at regular intervals for germination tests to compare seed longevity. Initial drying at the higher temperature resulted in a faster reduction in seed moisture content. The effect of the different drying regimes on subsequent longevity was not significant for most accessions. Nonetheless, the seed longevity of smaller-seeded accessions was perhaps enhanced by initial drying at a higher temperature; in contrast, initial drying at 17°C appeared to be the best drying treatment for larger-seeded accessions. Overall, the results suggest that initial drying at a higher temperature was beneficial for reducing processing time and for some accessions would be beneficial for seed longevity, but further work is required to understand for which seed lots.

Two side serpentine flow based photovoltaic-thermal-phase change materials (PVT-PCM) system: Energy, exergy and economic analysis

Amalgamation of thermal collector at the back of PV overcomes with low energy conversion efficiency issue upto some extent and improves overall efficiency of the systems. Use of phase change materials (PCM) in PV/T collectors as an intermediate thermal storage media offers a promising solution to this problem by storing large amount of heat. The aim of this research work was to design and develop a photovoltaic/thermal-phase change materials (PV/T-PCM) system and evaluate its energy, exergy and economic performance. Lauric acid as PCM contained in leak-proof aluminum foil packets are placed around the flow channel allowing extended period of thermal storage. The PV/T-PCM system has been studied at different volume flow rates viz. 0.5–4 L per minutes (LPM) to get the optimized performance of the system. Maximum thermal efficiency of PV/T-PCM collector was found to be 87.72% at 2 LPM. Maximum electrical efficiency of PV and PV/T-PCM systems has been found to be 9.88% and 11.08% (4LPM) respectively. The maximum exergy efficiency of PV and PV/T-PCM system has been found 7.09% and 12.19% (0.5 LPM) respectively. An economic analysis of the proposed system has also been carried out with a view to examine the feasibility of its commercialization.

The longevity of desorbing and adsorbing rice seeds

AbstractIn each of two experiments, freshly harvested seeds of two cultivars of rice were dried and then rehydrated to different moisture levels. In experiment 1, seed equilibrium relative humidity (eRH) and moisture content (MC) were determined at each moisture level so that moisture desorption and adsorption isotherms could be constructed. Seed storage experiments were also carried out for seeds equilibrated at each moisture level, in sealed aluminium foil packets at 45°C. In experiment 2, storage experiments at 45°C were carried out on seeds dried to 12% MC and seeds dried to lower moisture levels and then rehydrated to 12% MC.The moisture adsorption isotherm was shifted to lower MC at a given eRH compared with the desorption isotherm. This hysteresis effect was seen both when seeds were dried to &lt;6% MC and then allowed to adsorb moisture to different levels, and when seeds were dried to different levels (10, 8, 6 or 4% MC) and then allowed to adsorb moisture up to 12% MC. The log-log relationship between seed longevity, σ [the standard deviation of the normal distribution of seed deaths over time, as defined in the Ellis and Roberts (1980) seed viability equations] and seed storage MC did not vary depending on whether the seeds were desorbing or adsorbing moisture. The relationship between σ and eRH was better described by a log-log model than a log-linear model and did vary depending on whether seeds were desorbing or adsorbing moisture: at a given eRH, the longevity of adsorbing seeds was greater than that of desorbing seeds. The implications for seed storage are discussed.

A simple and inexpensive method for determining cold sensitivity and adaptation in mice.

Cold hypersensitivity is a serious clinical problem, affecting a broad subset of patients and causing significant decreases in quality of life. The cold plantar assay allows the objective and inexpensive assessment of cold sensitivity in mice, and can quantify both analgesia and hypersensitivity. Mice are acclimated on a glass plate, and a compressed dry ice pellet is held against the glass surface underneath the hindpaw. The latency to withdrawal from the cooling glass is used as a measure of cold sensitivity. Cold sensation is also important for survival in regions with seasonal temperature shifts, and in order to maintain sensitivity animals must be able to adjust their thermal response thresholds to match the ambient temperature. The Cold Plantar Assay (CPA) also allows the study of adaptation to changes in ambient temperature by testing the cold sensitivity of mice at temperatures ranging from 30 °C to 5 °C. Mice are acclimated as described above, but the glass plate is cooled to the desired starting temperature using aluminum boxes (or aluminum foil packets) filled with hot water, wet ice, or dry ice. The temperature of the plate is measured at the center using a filament T-type thermocouple probe. Once the plate has reached the desired starting temperature, the animals are tested as described above. This assay allows testing of mice at temperatures ranging from innocuous to noxious. The CPA yields unambiguous and consistent behavioral responses in uninjured mice and can be used to quantify both hypersensitivity and analgesia. This protocol describes how to use the CPA to measure cold hypersensitivity, analgesia, and adaptation in mice.

Effects of packaging and storage conditions on quality of spider plant (Cleome gynandara L.) seed

In Kenya, spider plant (Cleome gynandra L.) has gained popularity among consumers due to its nutritional and medicinal values. In the local markets, bundles of leafy shoots as well as uprooted young plants are offered at fairly high prices in many parts of Kenya. Existing evidence suggests that spider plant is endowed with higher level of nutrients than its exotic counterparts. The leaves contain over and above the normal recommended adult daily allowance of vitamins A and C, calcium and iron. However, quality of spider plant seed is affected by one or more factors that cause negative response during seed handling and storage. The purpose of this research was to increase insight into how the seed quality of spider plant is affected by different packaging containers, seed moisture content and storage temperatures, with a view to finding out the optimal method of packaging and storing of these seeds. This study was carried out using seeds dried above silica gel to four target moisture levels: 20%, 10%, 5% and 2% moisture content. Dried seeds were sealed in aluminum foil packets and polyethylene packets and stored at three storage temperatures: ambient (22oC to 30oC), 5oC and minus 20oC for three and six months. After each storage period, seed samples were drawn and viability and vigour tests carried out. Data sets were factorially combined and subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)and descriptive analysis. Means separation was by Least Significance Difference (LSD).Levels of significance, means and standard deviations were obtained for various data sets. Seed stored for six months at 5% moisture content and minus 20oC recorded the highest seed quality. There were no significant differences between seeds packaged in aluminum foil packets and polyethylene packets. In this study, a germination of 85% was recorded for seed dried to 5% moisture content and stored at room temperature. Therefore, on the basis of these findings, farmers can dry their seeds at about 5% moisture content, package them in polyethylene (since readily available) and store at room temperatures for six months.

Community‐based distribution of misoprostol to prevent postpartum haemorrhage at home births: results from operations research in rural Ghana

To report on a rigorous distribution and monitoring plan to track misoprostol for community-based distribution to reduce postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) in rural Ghana. Operations research. Rural Ghana. Women in third trimester of pregnancy presenting to primary health centres (PHCs) for antenatal care (ANC). Ghana Health Service (GHS), Millennium Village Projects, and the University of Illinois at Chicago conducted an operations research study designed to assess the safety, feasibility, and acceptability of community-based distribution of misoprostol to prevent PPH at home deliveries in rural Ghana. One thousand doses (3000 tablets, 200 μg each) were obtained from the Family Health Division of GHS. Three 200-μg tablets of misoprostol (600 μg) in foil packets were packaged together in secured transparent plastic packets labelled with pictorial messages and distributed to midwives at seven PHCs for distribution to pregnant women. Correct use of misoprostol in home deliveries and retrieval of unused misoprostol doses, PPH rates and maternal mortality. Of the 999 doses distributed to midwives, 982 (98.3%) were successfully tracked, with a 1.7% lost to follow-up rate. Midwives distributed 654 doses to women at third-trimester ANC visits. Of women who had misoprostol to use at home, 81% had an institutional delivery and were able to return the misoprostol safely to the midwife. Of the women that used misoprostol, 99% used the misoprostol correctly. This study clearly demonstrates that misoprostol distributed antenatally to pregnant women can be used accurately and reliably by rural Ghanaian women, and should be considered for policy implementation across Ghana and other countries with high home birth rates and maternal mortality ratios.

Evaluation of zeolite seed 'Drying Beads®' for drying rice seeds to low moisture content prior to long-term storage

Four experiments were carried out using zeolite seed Drying Beads to dry freshly harvested rice seeds to low (genebank) moisture content. The beads were mixed with 120 g of seeds in different ratios (between 0 and 3 beads-to-seed, by weight), sealed inside moisture-proof bags or heat-sealed laminated aluminium foil packets and placed in temperature controlled environments for drying and/or storage. The first experiment confirmed that the beads dry seeds very rapidly. The final moisture content of the seeds depended on the ratio of beads to seeds and, to some extent, on the temperature, with slightly more drying at 30°C compared with 15 or 5°C. When seeds were stored with the beads at either 5 or -20°C, seeds continued to dry. In the first two experiments, insufficient beads (bead-to-seed ratios of 0.97 and 1.06) were used to reach the target moisture content of 6.1%. The lowest moisture content reached was 4.2%, when the quantity of beads was three-times that of seeds. Germination was similar for seeds stored for 371 days at 5°C either with or without the beads after the same initial drying treatment. There was lower germination of seeds dried at low temperature and then stored at -20°C; however, this was attributed to dormancy. Whilst the water uptake isotherms confirmed the high capacity of the beads compared with silica gel, particularly at low relative humidity, the beads do not work to full capacity in a bead-seed system and the adsorption properties appeared to change. Further work is required to optimise the use of these beads for drying seeds to target moisture contents, without either under-drying which could lead to undesirable high rates of viability loss, or unnecessary and perhaps detrimental over-drying.

Controlled Deterioration and Accelerated Aging Tests to Estimate the Relative Storage Potential of Cucurbit Seed Lots

The laboratory germination (radicle emergence) percentages of 9 watermelon, 12 melon, and 7 cucumber seed lots were tested after storing in relatively adverse storage conditions of 25 °C and 12% mc for 6, 12, and 18 months in sealed aluminum foil packets. The laboratory germination (radicle emergence) of lots was determined after controlled deterioration (CD) at 45 °C with 20% or 24% moisture content (mc) for 48, 72, 96, 120, and 144 h. The accelerated aging test (AA) was conducted at 45 °C for the same aging periods. A number of seed lots was dead by 12 and 18 months in watermelon and cucumber, respectively. Various combinations of test regimens were found to be correlated with laboratory germination after 6 months storage, but the most consistent regimens for AA tests was 96 h at 45 °C in all species (r = 0.71 to 0.98). In the CD tests, 72 h with 20% mc at 45 °C gave the best correlation (r = 0.86 to 0.96). These conditions of highest correlation were observed after laboratory germination after 6 months storage and are suggested as good predictors of storage life in cucurbit seed lots. The initial standard germination before storage was also significantly correlated with seed longevity, but the correlation coefficient was generally lower (r = 0.60 to 0.83) than the AA and CD test results and separation of lots less clear.

Psyllium decreased serum glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin significantly in diabetic outpatients

Psyllium is a bulk-forming laxative and is high in both fiber and mucilage. The beneficial effect of dietary fiber in the management of type II diabetes, has not been totally demonstrated. The purpose of this study was to determine the plasma-lowering effects of 5.1 g b.i.d. of psyllium husk fiber, as an adjunct to dietary and drug therapy on lipid and glucose levels, in patients with type II diabetes. Patients were randomly selected from an outpatient clinic of primary care to participate in a double-blind placebo-controlled study in which Plantago ovata Forsk. , or placebo was given in combination with their anti-diabetic drugs. Forty-nine subjects were included in the study that were given diet counseling before the study and then followed for 8 weeks in the treatment period. Fasting plasma glucose (FBS) was measured every 2 weeks, and total plasma cholesterol (TC), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), triglyceride (TG), and insulin levels were measured every 4 weeks. Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was also measured at the beginning and ending of the study. The test products (psyllium or placebo) were supplied to subjects in identically labeled foil packets containing a 5.1 g dose of product, to consume two doses per day, half an hour before breakfast and dinner. Both products were well tolerated, with no serious adverse events related to treatment was reported in either. Better gastric tolerance to metformin was recorded in the psyllium group. FBS, and HbA1c, showed a significant reduction ( p < 0.05), whereas HDL-C increased significantly ( p < 0.05) following psyllium treatment. LDL/HDL ratio was significantly decreased ( p < 0.05). Our results show that 5.1 g b.i.d. of psyllium for persons with type II diabetes is safe, well tolerated, and improves glycemic control.

Survival and vigour of ultra-dry seeds after ten years of hermetic storage

Seeds of carrot, groundnut, lettuce, oilseed rape and onion were stored hermetically in laminated aluminium foil packets in four environments (dry or ultra-dry moisture contents combined factorially with temperatures of 20 degrees C or -20 degrees C), replicated at several sites. After ten years' hermetic storage, seed moisture content, equilibrium relative humidity, viability (assessed by ability to germinate normally in standard germination tests) and vigour were determined. After a decade, the change in seed moisture content of samples stored at -20 degrees C was small or nil. Except for groundnut and lettuce (where loss in viability was about 8 and 3%, respectively), no loss in viability was detected after 10 years' hermetic storage at -20 degrees C. In all cases, there was no difference in seed survival between moisture contents at this temperature (P > 0.25). Comparison of seed vigour (root length and rate of germination) also confirmed that drying to moisture contents in equilibrium with 10-12% r.h. had no detrimental effect to longevity when stored at -20 degrees C: the only significant (P < 0.05) differences detected were slightly greater root lengths for ultra-dry storage of four of the six seed lots. Seed moisture content had increased after a decade at 20 degrees C (generally to the level in equilibrium with ambient relative humidity). Hence, sub-zero temperature storage helped maintain the long-term integrity of the laminated aluminium foil packets, as well as that of the seeds within.

Honey

Kreider, Richard B. PhD, FACSM, EPC; Rasmussen, Christopher J. CSCS; Lancaster, Stacy L. CSCS; Kerksick, Chad CSCS; Greenwood, Michael CSCS*D Author Information

Lipid- and Glucose-Lowering Efficacy of Plantago Psyllium in Type II Diabetes

The beneficial effect of dietary fiber in the management of type II diabetes is still controversial and has not been totally demonstrated. The purpose of this study was to determine the plasma-lowering effects of 5 g t.i.d. of Plantago Psyllium, as an adjunct to dietary therapy, on lipid and glucose levels, in patients with type II diabetes. Patients were randomly selected from an outpatient clinic of primary care to participate in a double-blind placebo-controlled study in which Plantago Psyllium or placebo was given in combination with a low fat diet. One hundred twenty-five subjects were included in the study that consisted in a 6-week period of diet counseling followed by a 6-week treatment period. Fasting plasma glucose, total plasma cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels were measured every 2 weeks. The test products (Psyllium or placebo) were supplied to subjects in identically labeled foil packets containing a 5-g dose of product, to consume three doses per day (of 5 g each one), before regular meals. There was an excellent tolerance to Psyllium, without significant adverse effects. No significant changes were observed in the patient’s weight for both groups (not significant). Fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides levels, showed a significant reduction ( p < 0.05), whereas HDL cholesterol increased significantly ( p < 0.01) following Psyllium treatment. Our results show that 5 g t.i.d. of Psyllium is useful, as an adjunct to dietary therapy, in patients with type II diabetes, to reduce plasma lipid and glucose levels, resolving the compliance conflict associated with the ingest of a great amount of fiber in customary diet.

The use of sutures in Australian veterinary practices

One hundred and twenty six respondents at a continuing education course in February 1986 provided information on suture use in their practice. The 100 responses from four Australian states were subject to analysis of suture type and size used for various procedures and correlated with practice type, location and state. The use of gut and nonabsorbable sutures in cassettes was pervasive. Superior materials and sutures in individual foil packets were used commonly only for a more complicated procedure (enterotomy).

The germination of grass seeds after storage at different temperatures in aluminium foil and manilla paper packets

SUMMARYThe germination of seeds of three species of forage grasses, Lolium perenne, Festuca pratensis and Dactylis glomerata, was studied after storage for 3–5 years under five different storage conditions: in aluminium foil packets at —25°C, 0°C and laboratory temperature (c. 18°C), and in manilla paper packets at 0°C and laboratory temperature. With Lolium perenne and Festuca pratensis high germination values at 3 and 7 days were obtained from seed stored at — 25 °C and 0°C in foil packets (5% moisture), but at laboratory temperatures, seed from foil packets gave lower germination values than those from manilla paper packets. At all three temperatures Dactylis glomerata germination after 7 and 14 days was higher in seed stored in foil than in manilla packages. With all three species stored in manilla packets, germination was higher after laboratory than cold storage.

Integral Tests of Neutron Activation Cross Sections in a 9Be(d,n) Field at Ed = 40 MeV

Neutron activation measurements are reported for 44 reactions from 14 materials irradiated in a well-characterized neutron field produced by 40-MeV deuterons impinging on 9Be at the Oak Ridge Isochronous Cyclotron. Foil packets were located at 0 and 15 deg to the beam at 7.62 cm from the source, and additional foil materials were located directly on the deuteron beam stop 6.25 mm from the source. Integral tests were made for 30 reactions using previously measured time-of-flight (TOF) spectra and neutron cross sections, primarily from ENDF/B-IV, extrapolated to 44 MeV. The integral results are excellent, with an overall standard deviation of ±11% for 25 recommended reactions (±14% for 30 reactions), and neutron spectra unfolded with the SAND II code show excellent agreement with TOF measurements.