Fresh Condition Research Articles

Improving Volcanic Soil Chemistry After the Eruption of Mt. Sinabung, North Sumatera in 2020

Volcanic activity produces pyroclastic deposits when erupted and cover the surrounding area. The minerals contained in these deposits are the source of plant nutrients. The volcanic deposits weathered, release nutrients to the environment, and improve soil chemical properties. The eruption of Mt. Sinabung in 2018 covered an area of 30, 320 ha, while in 2019 was 1, 371 ha. The study aims to investigate the status of nutrient content and the volcanic ash weathering level in 2020. There were 16 samples taken from ash deposits at various depths, with a total area of 1, 585.31 ha. Samples were analyzed to determine the total elemental composition using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer, nutrient reserves, and weathering indices. The results showed that the total elemental composition of SiO2 is 51.51-67.51% classified as mafic (basalt) to felsic (dacite) materials, Al2O3; 15.54-23.41%, Fe2O3; 2.84-10.02% and CaO; 3.94-6.46%. Mount Sinabung’s volcanic ash has a nutrient reserve capacity of MgO, CaO, P2O5, K2O, and SO3, respectively with the amount of 37, 384.17 kg/ha, 235, 794.99 kg/ha, 34, 293.12 kg/ha, 72, 357.39 kg/ha, and 70, 352.22 kg/ha. The weathering indices of volcanic ash of 2020 were determined with a value of 2.76-4.19 for Ruxton ratio and Product of Weathering Index (PWI) of 67.39-76.13, indicates the weathering rate of silicates from volcanic ash are still at initial stage and are still in the fresh condition.

Length-weight relationship of Upeneus vittatus (Forsskal, 1775) from the Gulf of Mannar coast (Mandapam, Tamil Nadu), India

Length and weight relationship (LWR) provides vital information in fisheries biology. Length-weight relationship of Upeneus vittatus (Forsskal, 1775) were assessed during the study period from April 2012 to March 2013 in fresh condition separately for male and female from the Gulf of Mannar region. The LWR were significant (P ˂ 0.05) for both male and female. Two different logarithmic equations were derived separately for males and females. Males: logW = -1.9262 + 3.0296 logL, Females: log W = -2.0287+3.1187 logL. The regression coefficient values of 3.02 and 3.11 were obtained for males and females, respectively.

Organoleptic and Proximate Analysis of Natto (Yellow Soy Fermented Food by The Bacterium Bacillus subtilis natto)

This research aims to conduct organoleptic and proximate analysis of yellow soybean natto which is a food fermented from soybeans by Basillus subtillus natto. Natto is a traditional food originating from Japan that is classified as a probiotic food because it is consumed in fresh condition with the bacteria Basillus subtillus natto in it. Organoleptic analysis of natto in this study consisted of tests of texture, taste, color and aroma, while proximate analysis consisted of analysis of water content, protein content, fat content, carbohydrate content, and ash content. The results of the yellow soybean natto analysis show that the natto originating from Vedca Cianjur has a slimy sticky texture, brown color, a slightly sour and musty aroma like semangit tempeh and the savory taste of soybeans which is the distinctive aroma of natto. Proximate analysis shows that natto contains an average water level of 58.4± 0.50 %wb, average protein content of 20,1 ± 0.65 %wb, average fat content of 9.4 ± 0.42% wb, average carbohydrate content of 7.6 ± 0.47% wb, and the average ash content of 2.3 ± 0.19% wb. Keywords: physical, proximate, natto, Basillus subtillus natto

The Effect of Food Quality on Customer Choice of Dining Destination in Kenya

Food quality has received attention by hoteliers because of its effect on customer choice of dining destination in Kenya. Achieving food quality (FQ) management standards across the hospitality industry presents a challenge for governments worldwide and Kenya in particular. The specific objective of this study was to determine the effect of food quality on customer’s choice of dining destination in Kenya. The study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive survey design where 1058 guests were sampled based on 2016 data provided by the Kenya Tourism Board on bed occupancy calculated at 49%. Additionally, 54 Hotel staffs (managers and sous chef) were randomly selected from 4-star and 5-star hotels in Nairobi and Mombasa. Self-administered questionnaires and interview schedules were employed to collect data. Qualitative data collected through interview schedules was analyzed thematically. Quantitative data collected was coded in SPSS version 21 and analyzed using multiple regression. The results revealed that the top three aspects that were considered to be highly important while referring to food quality included taste (n = 426), freshness (n = 393) and good condition (n = 330). Results of the study indicated that the odds ratio of a restaurant with good food quality being selected over that with average food quality was 3.387 to 1, while the odds of a restaurant with poor food quality had the odds of 0.091 to 1 of being selected over a restaurant with average food quality. The overall effect of food quality was found to be significant since the corresponding –value for was 0.025, which was less than 0.05 (P-value = 0.005< 0.05). Keywords: Food Quality, Food Safety, Monitoring, Customer Choice, Dining Destination

An Inventory Model for Perishable Items with Price-, Stock-, and Time-Dependent Demand Rate considering Shelf-Life and Nonlinear Holding Costs

Nowadays, consumers are more health conscious than before, and their demand of fresh items has intensely increased. In this context, an effective and efficient inventory management of the perishable items is needed in order to avoid the relevant losses due to their deterioration. Furthermore, the demand of products is influenced by several factors such as price, stock, and freshness state, among others. Hence, this research work develops an inventory model for perishable items, constrained by both physical and freshness condition degradations. The demand for perishable items is a multivariate function of price, current stock quantity, and freshness condition. Specific to price, six different price-dependent demand functions are used: linear, isoelastic, exponential, logit, logarithmic, and polynomial. By working with perishable items that eventually deteriorate, this inventory model also takes into consideration the expiration date, a salvage value, and the cost of deterioration. In addition, the holding cost is modelled as a quadratic function of time. The proposed inventory model jointly determines the optimal price, the replenishment cycle time, and the order quantity, which together result in maximum total profit per unit of time. The inventory model has a wide application since it can be implemented in several fields such as food goods (milk, vegetables, and meat), organisms, and ornamental flowers, among others. Some numerical examples are presented to illustrate the use of the inventory model. The results show that increasing the value of the shelf-life results in an increment in price, inventory cycle time, quantity ordered, and profits that are generated for all price demand functions. Finally, a sensitivity analysis is performed, and several managerial insights are provided.

Distinctive rheological and temporal viscoelastic behaviour of alkali-activated fly ash/slag pastes: A comparative study with cement paste

This paper presents the results of the investigation on the fundamental differences in the viscoelasticity between alkali-activated fly ash/slag materials (AAMs) and cement pastes. The effects of the precursor and the activator on the rheological behaviour of AAM pastes were studied. Given the specific precursor, the activator viscosity significantly affected the AAM paste viscosity. The high viscous activator increased the plastic viscosity of AAM pastes by 4–8 times higher than that of cement paste and drastically decreased the yield stress due to viscous effects and weak colloidal interactions. Temporal changes in viscoelasticity showed that the negligible colloidal interactions between particles in AAM paste made the system non-percolated until the initial setting. This resulted in very different viscoelastic behaviour compared to the one from the well-percolated network in cement paste. Considering all results obtained in this study, the paper describes the short-term evolution of the AAM paste from the fresh condition to the initial setting.

Peripheral freshwater deltaic wetlands are hotspots of methane flux in the coastal zone

Methane (CH4) emissions are low in the coastal zone due to a higher redox poise, related to sulfate reduction. However, river deltas are a potential source of CH4 flux in coastal zones globally, due to fresh condition and high primary production. The goal of this study was to seasonally measure CH4flux at three different geomorphic settings (newly forming island, river channel bottom and established freshwater marsh) within the Wax Lake Delta, Louisiana, USA. CH4 flux rates were 386 ± 327 mg C m−2 d−1 in March and 2859 ± 1286 mg C m−2 d−1 in June at the freshwater marsh site. At the island site, CH4 flux was significantly smaller at 7.94 ± 3.57 mg C m−2 d−1 in March and 215 ± 153 mg C m−2 d−1 in June while at adjacent river channel bottom site, CH4 flux was lowest at 2.49 ± 3.38 mg C m−2 d−1 in March and 19.5 ± 1.12 mg C m−2 d−1 in June at the air-water interface. CH4 emission rates show significant spatial heterogeneity with rates up to two orders of magnitude greater at the marsh site at the periphery of the delta, related to greater soil total C. Therefore regions within the active delta do not provide a significant source of methane, due to a lack of soil C, despite freshwater conditions. However, marshes at the periphery within the halo of fresh water, populated with established plant communities can be significant hotspots of CH4 emissions, despite their location within the coastal zone.

Optimal inventory policies for deteriorating items with expiration date and dynamic demand under two-level trade credit

In this paper, we build an inventory model for deteriorating items with expiration time which incorporates both quantity and quality losses under two-level trade credit. The demand is dynamic and varies simultaneously with the length of credit period offered to customers and product freshness condition. In addition, the risk of default increases with the credit period length. First, we investigate the retailer’s inventory system for deteriorating items as a profit maximization problem to determine the optimal inventory policies. In order to obtain the optimal ordering policies, we propose some lemmas to help the retailer in accurately and quickly determine the optimal replenishment decisions under maximizing the annual total profit. Finally, we have used some numerical examples to illustrate the proposed models and study the sensitivity analysis on the optimal solution with respect to each parameter and provide some managerial insights.

Flowability and strength properties of high volume of fly ash material on self-compacting concrete

The detail complexity level of the building structure is getting more complicated. The use of a high volume of fly ash self-compacting concrete (HVFA-SCC) with better flowability properties is one alternative to address this problem. This research aims to investigate the strength properties and flowability of a high volume of fly ash self-compacting concrete (HVFA-SCC). The primary materials of HVFA-SCC were Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), fly ash as OPC replacement material, fine and coarse aggregates. The ratio of OPC to fly ash was 0.500:0.500, 0.475:0.525, and 0.450:0.550. The strength properties were determined based on compressive strength and porosity in hard concrete conditions at 28 days. While the flow abilities were identified conforming slump test and slump flow in fresh concrete condition directly after a mixing process. The results show that the substitution of 0.500 fly ash as shown by the HVFA-SCC-2 specimen gives the best strength properties and flow abilities. The highest strength was achieved at 32.4 MPa with a porosity of 0.48 at 28 days-age. The slump and slump flow properties also demonstrate a good flow behavior under EFNARC standard with a slump of 26.1 cm and a slump flow of 656.9 mm. It can be concluded that the 50% substitution ratio of fly ash can replace the role of OPC in HVFA-SCC and improve its strength properties and flow behavior. The use of fly ash also able to overcome the global warming issue regarding OPC production.

ANALISIS NILAI TAMBAH PENGOLAHAN IKAN MUJAIR MENJADI IKAN ASIN DI DESA WEDUNI KECAMATAN DEKET KABUPATEN LAMONGAN

The processing is carried out so that the fish and fishery products have added value. The purpose of fish processing is to reduce the water content in the fish body, one way is by making salted fish. The fish that are usually processed into salted fish in Deket District are freshwater fish, namely tilapia fish. The choice of tilapia fish because it is in fresh condition, the price is cheap and if it has been processed into salted fish, it taste good and is very attractive to the community. The purpose of this research was to determine the added value of processing tilapia fish into salted in Weduni Village, Deket District, Lamongan Regency. The method used in this research is quantitative method, and the sampling is done by purposive sample in the fishery product processing group, the name of group is “Dhie RT Dagelan”. The results showed that the added value obtained was Rp. 50.505/kg with a value added ratio of 70,14%

Analysis on Pore Structure of Non-Dispersible Underwater Concrete in Saline Soil Area

In this paper, mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) is used to test the pore structure of non-dispersible underwater concrete so as to study the influence of pouring and curing environment, age and slag powder on the pore characteristics of concrete, analyze the pore characteristics, porosity and pore distribution of concrete in different hydration stages, and reveal the relationship between pore structure and permeability of concrete. The results show that the pore-size distribution of concrete in fresh water condition is better than that in sulfate environment and mixed salt environment, and therefore, sulfate as well as mixed salt are not conducive to the development of pore structure of non-dispersible underwater concrete; chlorine salt has little effect on the pore structure of non-dispersible underwater concrete; under the three conditions of sulfate, chlorine and mixed salt, the porosity of concrete mixed with slag powder is lower than that of concrete without slag powder. The results indicate that the addition of slag powder can ameliorate the pore size distribution of non-dispersed underwater concrete, reduce the porosity, and make the concrete structure more compact, which is beneficial to improve the permeability resistance of concrete at the macro level.

A comprehensive review of Guduchi ( Tinospora cordifolia (Wild.) Miers), the ambrosia of Ayurveda : A classical memoir

In Ayurveda, Guduchi, [Tinospora cordifolia (Wild.) Miers] is considered as a lead drug (agrya dravya) having multitude of therapeutic indications. This review provides a concise information regarding Guduchi, pertaining to its identifying characters, therapeutic properties and actions, being collected from 30 Nighantu (lexicons), 12 Samhita (treaties) and Chikitsa grantha (Compendia) and 15 Rasa grantha (Pharamcopoeia). The study reveals that, Guduchi is also known by about 79 other names (paryaya) , signifying its morphological features and pharmacological properties and actions. Guduchi possesses tikta, kashaya, katu rasa, laghu guna, ushna veerya, madhura vipaka and tridoshaghna property. Kandaguduchi, a variety of Guduchi, has also been pronounced and attributed with 12 synonyms, possesses katu rasa, ushna veerya and sannipatahara properties and highlighted for its categorical actions like Jvaraghni, Vishabhutghni and Valipalitnashini. Guduchi, singularly has been attributed with fourteen karma(action) and indicated in twenty one clinical conditions. It is one among the few herbs advocated to be used in ardra (fresh) condition.. Guduchi is also used in pharmaceutical procedures like Shodhana (processing), Marana (calcination) and Jarana (incineration) of various metals and minerals. This review is expected to enrich the documentary evidences about classical references on Guduchi as add on to future researches.

Local Varieties Vines in the Republic of Bulgaria (pink varieties)

The present paper focuses primarily on the agrobiological and technological characteristics of the pink local vinous varieties Pamid and Muscat red. Muscat red is a late ripening vinous variety, and variety Pamid is a medium ripening vinous variety with possibility for consumption in fresh condition as well since its pellicle and seeds are not felt, and the titrated acidity is low. Variety Muscat red belongs to the most cold-resistant local varieties. Variety Pamid has increased root phylloxera resistance, on account of which it can be cultivated on its own roots without grafting in sandy soils.

The Effect of Time Storage and Room Temperature of Physicochemical Characteristics of Frozen Edamame (Glycine Max (L)

Edamame is an agricultural product famous as vegetable soybeans. One of the edamame processed products is frozen edamame. Frozen edamame is a unique product frozen of souvenirs from Jember. This product is vulnerable to quality degradation due to the environment and consumer treatment. Consumers buy and carry products for souvenirs in a long journey and consumers are less precise in handling storage again when out of frozen storage. This study aims to improve the influence of storage room temperature with different time on the physical and chemical quality of original frozen edamame seeds and the influence of long storage with different time on the original organoleptic characteristics of frozen edamame. The results of tests conducted on the original edamame product during storage at room temperature affected the test results on color, texture, pH, total acid, moisture content and antioxidant activity, but had not effect on the total dissolved solids. The longer of storage at room temperature, the value of texture, color, total acid increases while the total dissolved solids, pH, moisture content and antioxidant activity decrease. The panelists organoleptic test assessment of the product during room temperature storage, panelists preferred P0 (0 hours) because the product was in fresh condition and of good quality compared to other treatments. During product storage at room temperature with different treatment times, the quality of the product has decreased in terms of color, texture, aroma, and taste.

Redescription and molecular characterization of Crenidens macracanthus Günther, 1874 (Pisces: Sparidae), and first record of C. indicus Day, 1873 in the eastern Indian Ocean

AbstractCrenidens macracanthus was originally described in 1874 based on a single specimen collected from Chennai (Madras), south-east coast of India. In 1875, the species was synonymized with C. indicus without citing any valid reason. Since then, no taxonomic studies have been attempted for the genus Crenidens, except in 2013 the species was resurrected from synonymy and redescribed as a valid species based on the holotype and non-type specimen. In view of the fact that C. macracanthus is a poorly known species, it is redescribed based on examination of 30 additional specimens of 105.8–162.2 mm SL, collected from Puri, Odisha, north-east coast of India (Bay of Bengal) from 2017–2019, using morphological and molecular examinations. Our study provides a detailed morphological description, first colour photographs and phylogenetic analysis using COI barcodes of the species. The study has expanded the range in several morpho-meristic characters in comparison with the type and non-type specimens described earlier. The species in fresh condition can be easily distinguished from its two congeners (C. crenidens and C. indicus) by the yellowish tip of the lower caudal-fin lobe. Our study has also extended the distribution range of C. indicus (previously known only from the north-eastern Arabian Sea) to the eastern Indian Ocean, based on examination of a preserved specimen collected from Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu.

Genesis and paleoenvironmental analysis of the ironstone facies of the Maastrichtian Patti Formation, Bida Basin, Nigeria

The recently constructed Lokoja-Abuja highway and a quarry which cut through the Patti Formation, provided opportunity for the field study and sampling of the exposed ironstone interbeds within the carbonaceous shales and clays in Ahoko-Idu axis of the southern Bida Basin, Nigeria. The origin and paleoenvironmental significance of the ferruginous intervals were examined in this paper. Investigation reveals that the ferruginous bands occur as three lithofacies comprising of laminated, bioturbated and spheroidal concretionary facies. The primary components and depositional features of the host shales (detrital minerals, wood and herbaceous fragments, laminations) are largely preserved in the ironstones indicating compositional similarity and therefore a diagenetic origin for the ironstones. Results of XRD reveal substantial amount of siderite and illite but minor amounts of kaolinite, hematite, calcite and magnetite. Major elements such as Fe2O3, SiO2, Al2O3, CaO, MgO and P2O5 range from 41.50 to 54.60%, 6.10–23.30%, 3.64–7.00%, 1.40–13.60%, 0.30–1.20% and 0.10–8.80% respectively. The current data is suggestive that kaolinite was diagenetically replaced by siderite at early stage of burial in a reducing environment. Migrating pore water, probably enriched with alkali metals like Ca and Mg, sourced from sea water in the depositional basin and abundance of organic matter in the primary sediments are interpreted to be part of the factors responsible for the siderite precipitation. Both the host shale and the ferruginous beds contain significant amount of MgO, CaO, relics of dissolved bioclasts and body fossils. The geochemical proxies combined with the presence of magnesian siderite in the ironstones indicate that the host shales were deposited in marine environment with occasional freshwater influence. The study concludes that the ironstones are marine to non-marine, sideritic and diagenetic. The laminated and fossiliferous ironstone facies was deposited at the peak of marine transgression during the Upper Cretaceous time and represents maximum flooding surface. Shallowing up and regression into fresh water swamp condition was marked by the occurrence of freshwater sideritic ironstone.

Citric Acid Effect in High early Type Portland Cement Pastes and Mortars

The influence of citric acid in the properties of high strength Portland cement pastes and mortars, both in fresh and hardened condition, was evaluated. The content of citric acid varied from 0 to 0.8 wt%. Tests were carried out in cement pastes to determine the water required for normal consistency and initial and final setting times. Mortars cements were tested to define bulk density, consistency index, air content in the fresh condition and compressive strength after 7, 14, and 28 days. Analysis by XRD was also performed. The results showed that the use of citric acid as a retardant additive is a viable procedure, because it increased the mechanical strength after 14 days and improved the mortar workability.

Feasibility and development strategy of milkfish (Chanos chanos) processing at small industries in Pangkep District

The milkfish business has the potential to be developed; therefore, it is not only be sold in fresh condition but also processed into other products with additional value. This study aims to analyze the prospect of developed milkfish processing in Pangkep district. The research was conducted in August 2018 until August 2019 in Bungoro, Labakkang, Pangkajene, Segeri, Mandalle dan Marang districts. The sampling method was taken by purposive sampling. The analysis of economic value was used to estimate the total economic value of the milkfish processing business. The feasibility analysis was used to determine whether the type of milkfish processing business was feasible or not to run. Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to determine the priority strategy for the development of the milkfish processing business. The results show that there are five types of milkfish products developing in Pangkep district, including shredded milkfish, thornless milkfish, presto milkfish, bale kambu, and amplang milkfish. The analytical feasibility is conducted to show that the milkfish processing business in Pangkep district is feasible to be developed; however, the five types of processed products, milkfish shredded are more profitable to run. It shows the NPV, Net B/C, and IRR values, which are higher than other milkfish processed products. The development strategy of the milkfish processing business becomes the priority on the modality and marketing criteria. Improving the quality of human resources and developing distribution channels become a priority strategy in the development of milkfish processing businesses in Pangkep district.

Heavy Metals in Grey Mullet (Mugil cephalus) Fish Collected From Barseque Fish Farm, El-Behera Governorate-Egypt

Heavy metals are the most harmful contaminants which affect people health. The research objective of the present study was to determine the levels of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in grey mullet fish collected from Barseque fish farm (Behera Governorate, Egypt). Moreover, heavy metals were determined in irrigation and Barseque farm water. Quality Index Method (QIM) scores showed good freshness condition of collected fresh fish. Variations in chemical composition of grey mullet fish collected from fish farm during winter and summer were noticed. Moisture content highly significant decreased in summer than in winter while fat increased in summer than in winter. Electric conductivity significantly increased in irrigation and farm water in summer, while there was no difference in pH. The results of heavy metals showed that the levels of Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu and Zn in different fish organs(liver, gills and muscles) were significantly higher in summer than winter, it was in the increasing order of liver>gills> muscles. Cadmium and lead concentrations in irrigation water and farm water that detected during winter and summer season were higher than the maximum permissible limit according to WHO/FAO and Egyptian Ministry of Water Resources and irrigation, law 48/1982.Cadmium, copper, lead and chromium concentrations in irrigation water and farm water showed no significant difference between winter and summer but zinc were significantly higher in summer than winter. Heavy metal concentrations that measured during winter and summer seasons in grey mullet fish organs were lower than the minimum acceptable daily intake recommended by WHO. Generally, the values of metals in the fish muscles were accepted by the international legislation limits and are safe for human consumption. On the other hand, it was strongly recommended not to eat head with gills or livers of fish. Conclusively, a regular monitoring program of heavy metal is recommended for protecting these organisms, and to reduce the environmental risks.

Investigation of the lithium-ion depletion in the silicon-silicon carbide anode/electrolyte interface in lithium-ion battery via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy

Silicon-based next generation Li-ion batteries play a pivotal role to address superior energy storage devices to fill out their customers need. Despite this, nano porous silicon, macro-honeycomb porous silicon, and silicon carbide nanocomposite as a professional anode have been synthesized by magnesiothermic and in situ carbothermic-magnesiothermic reduction at two oxygen-full and oxygen-free atmospheres. The FESEM and TEM results shows the porosity pattern depends on the reduction atmosphere. The first specific discharge capacity for Si-nano is delivered to 700 mAh g-1 with 40% irreversibility, 47.8% charge retention at 2nd after aging periods, and 98.5% columbic efficiency after 10 cycles, whilst, SiC is first discharged to 1125 mAh g-1, i.e. 78% of the theoretical capacity, with 85.7% charge retention at 2nd after the aging period, and 92.3% columbic efficiency after 10 cycles. The EIS analysis shows that the continuous mobility of electrons interior of SiC is too higher than the Li+ solvated sheath due to interstitial carbon atom in the silicon carbide composite, whilst, the formation of a thicken Li+ solvated sheath on the surface of macro pores causes an electrode blocking and eventually the finite length diffusion. The calculation of A×C indicates an irregularity in concentration of Li+ ions at different potentials to confirm the alloying mechanism for Li+ ion diffusivity at the active surface site in silicon at fresh electrolyte condition against depletion in the SEI layer as a second source of Lithium after 10 months aging.