Fresh Condition Research Articles

Effect of Incorporation of whey Protein Concentrate on Quality Characteristic of Buffalo Meat Emulsion Sausage

Incorporation of whey protein concentrate (WPC) at a level of 1, 2, 3 and 4% in buffalo meat was investigated for production, quality characteristic of emulsion sausage (ES). Quality of emulsion sausage was evaluated in terms physicochemical characteristics like moisture content, pH, protein content, water holding capacity (WHC), Extract release volume (ERV), microbiological characteristics like total plat count (TPC) and Yeast and mold count, and sensory characteristic including instrumental colour measurement. It was found that moisture content, protein content, ERV and WHC were significantly (P<0.05) increased in emulsion sausage as result of incorporation of 1-4% of WPC. Addition of 1-2% WPC decreased the pH. However 3-4% addition of WPC caused no change in pH and it remained comparable the pH of the control sample. TPC of ES was found in range of 6.23-6.37 log cfu/g. Emulsion sausage incorporated with whey protein concentrate was acceptable to the panelist. The numerical value of ‘L’ for the samples in fresh condition found in the range of 29.50%- 33.25%. Thus sample had 33.25 % of maximum lightness as compared to 66.75% darkness. The sample of fresh emulsion sausages was greyish brown colour in appearance.

Effects of Hot-Carrier Stress on the RF Performance of a 0.18-μm MOS Divide-by-4 LC Injection-Locked Frequency Divider

The effect of ac hot-carrier stress on the performance of a wide locking range divide-by-4 injection-locked frequency divider (ILFD) is investigated. The ILFD was implemented in the TSMC 0.18 μm 1P6M CMOS process. The ILFD uses direct injection MOSFETs for coupling external signal to the resonators. Radio frequency (RF) circuit parameters such as oscillation frequency, tuning range, phase noise, and locking range before and after RF stress at an elevated supply voltage for 5 h have been examined by experiment. The measured locking range, operation range and phase noise after RF stress shows significant degradation from the fresh circuit condition.

Performance of inorganic coagulants in treatment of backwash waters from a brackish aquaculture recirculation system and digestibility of salty sludge

In this work two inorganic coagulants, FeCl3 and polymeric aluminum sulfate (PAS) were tested for treating backwash waters from a drumfilter of a brackish RAS with a salinity level of 17.0g/L. Their performances in terms of removal of total suspended solids (TSS), turbidity, total organic carbon (TOC), total phosphorus (TP) and reactive phosphorus (RP) were investigated. The results show that the removal efficiencies of total suspended solids (TSS), turbidity, total phosphorus (TP) and reactive phosphorus (RP) at the brackish conditions are higher than these in fresh condition with the same dosage of FeCl3 reported in literature. Moreover, dosing PAS caused a 9% decrease in biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) of backwash waters, compared to that of the control group without adding PAS. The effects of FeCl3 and PAS as well as the effect of compatible solutes on biomethane potential (BMP) of the sludge from the RAS were examined. The results of BMP tests show that addition of glycine betaine (GB) 0.50g/L, trehalose (T) 0.50g/L and the combination 0.25gGB/L plus 0.25gT/L enhanced BMP of the sludge by 9.0%, 11.6% and 10.3%, respectively, compared with that of the control group without addition of compatible solutes. However, inorganic coagulants, FeCl3 and PAS, reduced BMP of the sludges from the sieve of the brackish RAS by 5.3% and 15.1%, respectively. Particularly, PAS (2.4gAl/L) significantly lessened BMP. Therefore, PAS may not be a proper coagulant for concentrating sludges if anaerobic digestion is going to be adopted as a sludge post treatment approach to achieve sludge reduction and energy recovery. However, FeCl3 may be a potential coagulant to further coagulate and flocculate backwash waters from marine RAS without substantially affecting the anaerobic digestibility of sludge produced by addition of FeCl3.

Experimental evaluation of hot-carrier stressed series-tuned injection-locked frequency divider

This paper, for the first time, investigates hot carrier effect on a divide-by-2 injection-locked frequency divider (ILFD). The ILFD was implemented in the TSMC 0.18 μm 1P6M CMOS process. The ILFD uses direct injection MOSFETs for coupling external signal to the series-resonant resonator. It is shown that the locking range decreases and the oscillation frequency increases with stress time, and the phase noise in both the free-running and locked state increases with stress time. The measured operation range after RF stress also shows degradation from the fresh circuit condition.

Comparative Study on Conductivity and Moisture Content Using Polarization and Depolarization Current (PDC) Test for HV Insulation

The Polarization and Depolarization Current (PDC) measurement is an efficient and effective diagnostic technique based on time domain measurement, for evaluating the high voltage insulation condition. This paper presents a review and comparison results from several published papers on the application of the PDC method to finding the conductivity and moisture content of various types of insulators. For solid insulation, the study was focused on cable insulation, electric machine stator insulation, and paper insulator in transformer insulation with different conditions. For liquid insulation, the review and comparison was done on biodegradable and mineral transformer oils, with fresh oil condition, and aged condition. The results from previous researchers tests were complied, analyzed and discussed, to evaluate the application of the PDC method to monitor the conductivity and moisture of HV equipment insulation systems. From the review results, the PDC technique successfully gives an indication of the conductivity and moisture level of high voltage insulation.

Analisis Teknis Alat Pemisah Ekstrak Buah Duku Berdasarkan Perbedaan Metode Digesting Dan Kecepatan Putaran Screw Press

Duku Fruit is a group of horticultural crops, which is usually eaten in a fresh condition, but it is perishable fruit and not durable to be stored . It is necessary to attempt a rescue the postharvest of duku fruit through separation technical to separate pulp extract of duku fruit. The pulp exstract can be used to make syrup. This objective of the research was to analyze technical aspects of the separation extract of pulp using screw press. Analyze technical aspects based on deviation of rotation speed and digesting method. The method digesting ( pulping ) was consists of digesting mechanism (with impeller) and without digesting mechanism, whereas rotation speed of screw press consists of 30 , 50 and 70 rpm . The separation test using 5 kgs of fruit pulp for each treatment based digest method and speed of rotation. The results showed that the digesting method was produced the average of working capacity was 0.310 kg / min , power of rotation was 0.0110 hp and yield of pulp extract was 17.22 %; while those without digesting method was produced working capacity was 0.302 kg / min , power of rotation was 0.0104 hp and yield of pulp extract was 7.65% . Technical analysis based on differences in the rotation speed of screw press used 30 rpm was resulted average of working capacity was 0.169 kg / min , power of rotation was 0.0029 hp and yield of pulp extract was 13,09 %; if the rotation speed used 50 rpm was resulted average of working capacity was 0.250 kg / min , power of rotation was 0.0095 hp and yield of pulp extract was 14.65 % , and if the rotation speed used 70 rpm resulted working capacity was 0.503 kg / min , power of rotation was 0.0197 hp and yield of pulp extract was 9.50 % . Keyword: pulp, screw press, digesting, working capacity, yield

Recent Trends of the Breeding Programs in Main Vegetables and Potatoes in Bulgaria

The Republic of Bulgaria is traditional producer and consumer of vegetables and potatoes fresh and processed. The annual vegetable consumption per head is 200 – 215 kg including 56% in fresh condition. Bulgaria has ancient traditions in vegetable growing. It is well-known with great diversity of vegetable species and varieties. It is a secondary forming center for some of them. Many of local varieties have been distributed in the past by the Bulgarian gardeners in many European countries – Hungary, Austria, Romania, Serbia, Russia etc. The optimal climatic conditions in the country are prerequisite for cultivation of almost all vegetable species. This fact determines the prompt development of the scientific investigations in the field of vegetable production.

Acceptance Of Fish Crackers Produced From Tilapia And Catfish

Sensory Evaluation of fish crackers produced from catfish and tilapia was evaluated in attempt to ensure the possibilities of better utilization of underutilized Tilapia and catfish. The product were produced with corn starch (25%), pepper (0.1%) salt (0.5%), magi (2 cubes) vegetable oil (18.5%) Tilapia (35%), catfish (35%). Tilapia and catfish were deboned using a bone separator and grinded with a pepper grinder and mashed together with 25% of cornstarch. The mixture was kneaded and moulded into a cylindrical shape and wrapped in a nylon and steamed in a steaming pot for 45 minutes and then put into a refrigeration for 24 hours. The cooled product was cut into shapes and sprayed on the sun for 3 days and deep fried. The acceptance was evaluated with 25 man panel based on taste, flavor, colour and texture and general acceptability. 75% of the panelist preferred fish crackers from catfish to those made from tilapia in terms of taste. 85% like the texture and flavor of the crackers from tilapia than that of catfish. There was higher consumer acceptability for crackers from catfish in terms of taste to that made from Tilapia. There was significant difference observed between crackers from tilapia and catfish. Diversification of fish industry through better utilization of underutilized tilapia and catfish will help to improve commercialization of these products. This will improve food and nutritional security and also help to create a means of revenue generation and alleviate poverty in Nigeria. I. Introduction A large proportion of the total landed fish from tilapia and catfish. most of these fishes have stunted growth and cannot been utilized in this form and they remain unused due to inherent problems related to unattractive color, flavor, texture, small size and high fat content. Most of these species belong to the abundantly available pelagic species, which are by catch, of some unconventional species. (Akande, 1989). Adding fish as nutritional value to staple foods has been researched by many nutrition scientists and food technologists (ANON 2001). Though considerable research has been carried out on the different ways of utilizing small fishes in minced fish production (Akande 1989; Eyo 1999; King 2001). A variety of fish species are used for fish product, while fish like Alaska Pollock and tropical species such as farmed species like Chineses Carp (Shaviklo 2000). maybe used. The use of fish species with high dark/red muscle and fat content has met with some complication such as how grade protein gel, colour problems and lipid oxidation (Park and Lanier 2000). The production and utilization of fish using locally manufactured pepper grinder (Attrition Mill) was developed by King, M.O of the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research in the processing of ingredients for the preparation of fish cakes, fish burger and fish crackers among others. The processing yield of Tilapia was reported to be 51% for dressed fish and 25.4% for fillet (clement and lovel 1994). Ninan et al., (2010) reported that Tilapia in fresh condition can yield 32-36% mince. The mince is white in colour, has low fat content and pronounced odour, which makes in an ideal raw material for the preparation of value-added products. There is a great interest in using larger quantities of fish for human food (park and lanier 2000). This will lead to better utilization of the fish species. The study is aimed at value addition using Tilapia, a low-value fish which at present has limited scope for consumption in fresh form than catfish which is abundant (Ninan et al., 2010). Studies showed that the mince yield of this species is commercial important in the utilization of underutilized species for the production of cutlets, fish balls and cully fish which are simple and cost-effective. Commercialization of these product can contribute to the fish processing industry through better utilization of a relatively underutilized species. Study Area: The production of fish crackers was done in Nigerian Institute of oceanography and marine research lab.

Occurrence of Holocene Mammalian Remains and Mollusc Shells from Indian Sundarbans with Environment of Deposition

Mammalian remains of Bubalus bubalis, Rucervus duvauceli of swampy forest environment and mollusc shells of mangrove and distinct fresh water ecosystem recovered from the C dated Peat, Silty Clay and Alluvial layers exposed at depth from 560 cm up to surface at Kumirmari and Dakshin Harishpur, south-east of Kolkata, West Bengal of Indian Sundarbans area were studied for animal remains assemblage zonations and analysis of palaeoenvironment during Holocene. Two Local animal remains assemblage zones were proposed for each section studied viz. KUI: Kumirmari and DHI: Dakshin Harishpur. Correlation of local zones of C dated sediments has revealed two RAZ: Regional Animal remains Assemblage Zones viz. RAZ-I Bubalus bubalis – Rucervus duvauceli -Telescopium telescopium Meretrix meretrix Bankia sp. Assemblage Zone and RAZ-II Tarebia lineata Lymnaea (Pseudosuccinea) acuminata f. Patula Indoplanorbis exustus Gyraulus convexiusculus Parreysia sp. Bellamya bengalensis Pila globosa Gabbia orcula Brotia costula Melanoides tuberculata Corbicula striatella Tarebia granifera Assemblage Zone. The environmental phases of deposition of Holocene sediments of Sundarbans, India as revealed from the Regional assemblage zones indicate Swampy mangrove condition during c. 5000–2000 years BP followed by Supra-tidal fresh water condition since c. 2000 years BP.

Potensi Pemanfaatan Ekstrak Etanol Alga Merah (Kappaphycus alvarezii) sebagai Pengawet Alami Pengganti Formalin pada Daging Ikan <br><i>[Potential Use Of Red Algae Ethanol Extract (Kappaphycus alvarezii) As Formalin Substitute Natural Preservative In Meat Fish]<I>

Abstract Fish meat is more nutritious source of protein and relatively safe for human consumption. Fish meat more easily damaged than red meat product quality, so it is necessary that the process of pickling fish maintained in fresh condition and suitable for consumption. The ethanol extract of red algae Kappaphycus alvarezii been known have antioxidant and antimicrobial effects, so need some research on the use of red algae extract as a preservative. Red algae extract with a concentration of 400 ppm, 500 ppm, 600 ppm and 1 % formalin, each sample is used as a meat preservative for tilapia fillets as 40 grams. Samples of tilapia meat is soaked in an preservative solution as long as 60 minutes. During immersion, the samples of tilapia meat stored at room temperature. Observation of tilapia meat quality is done about six hours after meat removed from the preservative solution. Fish meat quality were analyzed to describe the organoleptic quality, methods of the TPC, and proximate analysis. The results showed that the ethanol extract of red algae Kappaphycus alvarezii 600 ppm has potential as a natural preservative based on test results of TPC, proximate and organoleptic test.

Qat farms in Yemen: Ecology, dangerous impacts and future promise

Qat (Catha edulis) is an ever green tree/shrub naturally growing in Abysssinian mountains as well as in the other countries of East Africa. It has been introduced to Yemen before the Islamic Era, nowadays it is widely cultivated in the mountains of Sanaa and Taiz. The dark green leaves of qat are chewed in fresh condition by more than 90% of Yemen people. These leaves contain alkaloids similar to cafffein having pleasurable and mildly stimulating effects. Qat is, thus, classified by WHO as a “drug of abuse”. The present study describes the ecological features, including the physical environment and floristic composition, of qat farms in 12 sites in the mountains of Taiz (3 sites) and Sanaa (9sites) having altitudes of 1450 m and 2440 m, respectively. The chemical constituents of qat's leaves collected from these mountains and the dangerous medicinal and socioeconomic impacts of qat's cultivation on the Yemen's people are described. A proposal that may help to control chewing and changing its cultivation from being harmful to be useful and profitable for Yemen's people is discussed.

Prediction of the Chemical Composition of Fresh Whole Crop Barley Silages by Near Infrared Spectroscopy

Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) has become increasingly used as a rapid and accurate method of evaluating some chemical compositions in forages and feedstuff. This study was carried out to explore the accuracy of near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for the prediction of chemical parameters of fresh whole crop barley silages. A representative population of 284 fresh whole crop barley silages was used as a database for studying the possibilities of NIRS to predict chemical composition. Samples of silage were scanned at 1 nm intervals over the wavelength range 680~2,500 nm and the optical data were recorded as log 1/Reflectance (log 1/R) and were scanned in fresh condition. NIRS calibrations were developed by means of partial least-squares (PLS) regression. NIRS analysis of fresh whole crop barley silages provided accurate predictions of moisture, acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), crude protein (CP) and pH, as well as lactic acid content with correlation coefficients of cross-validation (<TEX>$R^2cv$</TEX>) of 0.96, 0.81, 0.79, 0.84, 0.72 and 0.78, respectively, and standard error of cross-validation (SECV) of 1.26, 2.83, 2.18, 1.19, 0.13 and 0.32% DM, respectively. Results of this experiment showed the possibility of the NIRS method to predict the chemical parameters of fresh whole crop barley silages as a routine analysis method in feeding value evaluation and for farmer advice.

Design and Fabrication of a Cool Box for Passenger Car using Automotive Air-conditioning System

A cool box for passenger car refers to a kind of box which is designed and fabricated using well insulating materials in order to ensure the coolness inside the cool box is always stable. The coolness inside of cool box depends on the refrigerant cycles of the car air conditioning system. This cool box has same function as mini fridge to keep fresh foods and beverages but it cannot ensure to freeze the water because the temperature inside of the cool box will be in the range of 12.2oC to 22.1oC which is below the room temperature. This will help to minimize the activeness of bacteria to spoil the foods and beverages at the same time it can linger the duration for food and beverages to spoil. Cool box will help car users to bring food along them when traveling long journey and during the outdoor activities. The linkage system is mainly about connecting extra supplier hose at the receiver dryer section of car air conditioning system in order to intake the refrigerant flow to the cool box and back to connect at tube after evaporator section as outlet. All affecting parameter such as temperature inside the cool box, heat transfer rate, and air ventilation has been studied to design and fabricate the cool box. Finally several tests have been conducted which show that in operating condition inside temperature and relative humidity are suitable to keep the groceries items in fresh condition.

Histopathological changes in the skins and gills of some marine fishes due to parasitic isopod infestation

Objective: To study the histopathological symptoms owing to cymothoid isopod that were categorised as gross lesions. Methods: Nature of damage fish tissues and gills were taken from the parasite attachment area of infested and uninfested fishes which were cut out in fresh condition fixed in 10% buffered neutral formalin. Fresh and recently preserved tissues and gills were washed in tap water and dehydrated using alcohol series. The tissues gills were then cleaned in methylbenzoate and benzene and embedded in paraffin wax. The serial sections cutting 4 to 5 m thickness, were stained with Erlich’s haematoxylin and Eosin for histopathological analysis. Results: In normal muscle tissue, the tensile strength of muscle fibers with extra cellular matrix collagen was extensively tight associated. This gave a rigid musculature pattern to the tissues. Infested fish exhibited histopathological anomalies such as tissue reactions, primarily associated with the formation of granulomas consisted of macrophages and epitheleioid cells, which were occasionally surrounded by a thin rim of fibroblasts. The infestations such as lipofibrosis, hyperaemia, haemorhagic lesions and penetration of dactylus usually pressure atrophy often accompanied by the presence of parasites. Lesions had well developed granulomas that underlined in the muscle or overlying subcutaneous tissue, form these spread to underlying organs. Conclusions: It could be concluded that the infection studies of parasite that attaches or settles on the host body, at first, causes localized inflammatory changes, but with time, assuring a different or diffused character. The changes always begin with hyperaemia in the angles between adjacent sides at the site of attachment and then move towards deeply situated area.

지하식 LNG 저장탱크의 지붕 콘크리트의 요구성능에 관한 실험적 연구

이 연구는 200000 m³의 용량을 갖는 지하식 LNG 저장탱크의 지붕 콘크리트에 대한 요구성능 및 이에 따른 콘크리트의 최적배합비를 도출하고, 현장시공의 자료로 제안하기 위한 것이다. 지붕 콘크리트는 돔형 지붕의 경사기울기에 따라 굳지 않은 콘크리트의 시공성 및 충전성이 요구된다. 또한, 1.4~0.6 m의 지붕두께를 고려한 수화열 저감과 콘크리트 타설 후의 프리스트레싱 작업 및 air support의 제거공정에 따른 단계별 압축강도의 확보가 중요한 요구성능이다. 이러한 조건을 고려하여 지붕의 기울기가 20° 미만일 경우에는 슬럼프 100±25 mm, 20° 이상일 경우에는 150±25 mm로 선정하였으며, 경시변화 60분을 만족해야 한다. 특히, 91일 재령의 설계기준강도 30 MPa, 프리스트레싱 작업시 7일 재령의 압축강도 10 MPa, air support 제거공정에서 21일 재령의 압축강도 14 MPa을 만족해야 한다. 석회석 미분말의 최적 치환율은 구속시험 결과에 따라 정하였으며, 주요 배합변수는 물-시멘트비, 잔골재율 및 고성능 AE감수제의 첨가율 등이다. 배합시험 결과, 저열 포틀랜드 시멘트 및 석회석 미분말을 사용한 지붕 콘크리트의 최적배합 조건은 석회석 미분말의 최적 치환율 25%(내할), 물-시멘트비 57.8%, 잔골재율 42.0%로 나타났으며, 공기량 및 슬럼프의 시험결과도 경시변화 60분까지 성능을 만족하였다. 또한, 단열온도 상승시험의 결과, 단열온도 상승양(Ｑ∞)이 26.3℃, 상승속도(γ) 0.58로 선행탱크(TK-13,14)와 비교해 볼 때 매우 낮게 나타나 수화열 저감의 효과를 기대할 수 있다. 이러한 요구성능 및 최적배합 조건을 만족하는 설계기준강도 30 MPa(배합강도 36 MPa)의 지하식 LNG 저장탱크의 지붕 콘크리트용으로 제안하였다.

Effects of the administration of a catalase inhibitor into the fourth cerebral ventricle on cardiovascular responses in spontaneously hypertensive rats exposed to sidestream cigarette smoke

OBJECTIVE:Previous studies have demonstrated a relationship between brain oxidative stress and cardiovascular regulation. We evaluated the effects of central catalase inhibition on cardiovascular responses in spontaneously hypertensive rats exposed to sidestream cigarette smoke.METHODS:Male Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SH) (16 weeks old) were implanted with a stainless steel guide cannula leading into the fourth cerebral ventricle (4th V). The femoral artery and vein were cannulated for arterial pressure and heart rate measurement and drug infusion, respectively. The rats were exposed to sidestream cigarette smoke for 180 minutes/day, 5 days/week for 3 weeks (CO: 100-300 ppm). The baroreflex was tested using a pressor dose of phenylephrine (8 μg/kg, bolus) and a depressor dose of sodium nitroprusside (50 μg/kg, bolus). Cardiovascular responses were evaluated before and 5, 15, 30 and 60 minutes after injection of a catalase inhibitor (3-amino-1,2,4-triazole, 0.001 g/100 μL) into the 4th V.RESULTS:Vehicle administration into the 4th V did not affect the cardiovascular response, whereas administration of the central catalase inhibitor increased the basal HR and attenuated the bradycardic peak (p<0.05) to a greater extent in WKY rats exposed to sidestream cigarette smoke than in WKY rats exposed to fresh air. However, in spontaneously hypertensive rats, the effect of the catalase inhibitor treatment was stronger in the fresh air condition (p<0.05).CONCLUSION:Administration of a catalase inhibitor into the 4th V combined with exposure to sidestream cigarette smoke has a stronger effect in WKY rats than in SH rats.

Effect of Freezing Time on the Nutritional Value of Mystus gulio (Nuna tengra), Mystus tengra (Bazari tengra) and Mystus cavasius (Ghulsha tengra)

Three different species of tengra; Nuna tengra (Mystus gulio), Bazri tengra (Mystus tengara), Gholsha tengra (Mystus cavasius) were kept in freezing condition for 20 days to investigate the effect of freezing (-5°C) time on the nutrient composition (protein, lipid, moisture). The average weight of the sample was 46.5gm, 23.94gm, and 15.48gm for Nuna tengra, Gholsha tengra and Bazri tengra respectively. Samples were collected from Gollamari, Khulna. The amount of protein and lipid reduced while amount of moisture increased with prolongation of freezing time. The amount of moisture for Mystus tengara, Mystus cavasius, Mystus gulio increased from 76.12% to78.02%, 75.35% to 77.25%and 76.03% to 78.23% respectively. At fresh condition the protein content of Mystus tengara, Mystus cavasius, Mystus gulio were 16.26%, 15.52% and 14.80% and at the end of the experiment protein were 14.97%, 13.91% and 13.43%. At fresh condition the lipid content of Mystus tengara, Mystus cavasius, Mystus gulio were 6.15%, 5.98% and 6.20% and after twenty days of it’s freezing the observed lipid content were 4.9%, 5.37% and 4.86%. However, at the end of the study, no significant (p&gt;0.5) difference was observed among different nutrient level due to increasing freezing time. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsf.v8i1-2.14634 J. Sci. Foundation, 8(1&amp;2): 119-122, June-December 2010

Effect of electrochemical treatment at fresh condition in enhancing the corrosion resistance in concrete

The present study concerns the electrochemical treatment to increase the resistance against chloride-induced corrosion of steel in concrete, which was ensured by a microscopic examination and corrosion tests. The current density (DC) applied to the embedded steel immediately after casting of concrete ranged 125, 250 and 500 mA/m2 for two weeks. As a result, an increase in the current density resulted in an increase in the precipitated calcium hydroxide at the steel-concrete interface within 100 μm from the steel surface, which would enhance the buffering capacity to the corrosion reaction. However, an application of the electrochemical treatment did not always impose the benefit in raising the corrosion resistance: the surface chloride content, when the concrete specimens containing the steel embedment was exposed to a salt solution, was increased, presumably because of modification of the chemistry at the right surface of concrete. Notwithstanding, the critical chloride ranged 0.88, 1.21 and 1.76% by weight of cement for the current density of 125, 250 and 500 mA/m2 respectively, while untreated specimens indicated only 0.62%. Consequently, the electrochemical treatment increased the corrosion-free life by enhancing the resistance to corrosion, resulting from the formation of precipitated calcium hydroxide at the steel-concrete interface.

Unusual Mortality Events of Harbor Porpoise Strandings in North Carolina, 1997–2009

A marked increase in the frequency of harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) stranded in North Carolina in 2005 was declared as an Unusual Mortality Event (UME). Strandings occurred in January through May when harbor porpoises are seasonally present. Increased stranding rates were measured relative to a threshold to determine that the UME was occurring. The threshold analysis also revealed elevated strandings during 1999, an undeclared UME year. Recovered carcasses during 1999 and 2005 accounted for 39% of 261 strandings during 1997–2009. During 2005, of 43 strandings, primary or secondary causes of mortality included fishery interactions, emaciation, and interspecific aggression. Apart from small but significant differences in timing and condition of strandings, composition of strandings during UME and non-UME years was similar, with most being young-of-the-year and occurring during March and April, north of Cape Hatteras. Porpoises had high levels of parasitic infestation typical for this species. However, no indication of infectious disease and no cause of the 2005 event were found from gross and histologic findings. Response to UMEs is challenging, particularly along the expanses of North Carolina beaches, requiring additional effort to obtain carcasses in sufficiently fresh condition to determine the cause of these events.

The Effect of Extrusion Conditions on the Physicochemical Properties and Sensory Characteristics of Fish-Based Expanded Snacks

Expanded products with fish flour, rice and corn flour was prepared using a twin-screw extruder with varying temperature, screw speed, total moisture and fish flour content to establish their effect on the expansion ratio, bulk density, porosity and water solubility index of the extrudates adopting response surface methodology. The experiments were optimized using five-level, four-factor central composite design. Analysis of variance was carried to study the effects of main factors and interaction effects of various factors and multiple regression analysis was carried out to explain the variability. Sensory acceptability study was conducted to select best products. The expanded materials obtained at 100–110C with feed material containing 15–20% fish flour and 14–18% moisture had the best properties. The study showed that expanded products produced using rice, corn and fish flour under conditions that induced the maximum expansion had the best acceptability. Practical Applications In the recent time, extruded products are gaining wide popularity. Most of the extruded snacks are cereal-based and thus have less protein content and are limited in some essential amino acids. The incorporation of protein-rich fish mince or fish flour would increase the nutritive value of such products. Fish mince or fish flour blended with rice/corn flour can be coextruded to obtain a nutritious snack without compromising the quality of the final product. Fish, which lacks good market in fresh condition, can be easily utilized for this purpose either by mincing or making fish flour. This study primarily aimed at preparing extruded snack-like products using rice and corn flour with added flour from freshwater fish. Response surface methodology was applied to investigate the different process conditions on the physicochemical and sensory qualities of the final products.