Flesh Part Research Articles

Characterization and anti-aging activities of Haruan (Channa striata) fish oil

Haruan fish or snakehead fish (Channa striata) is a freshwater fish widely cultivated in Indonesia. Fish oils are believed to have some biological activities which are beneficial to human health, including antioxidant and antiaging activities. The objectives of this study are to determine the characteristics and yield of Haruan fish oil (HFO) using three extraction methods (steaming, maceration, and pressing), to determine radical scavenging activity (RSA) of fish oils using 2,2’-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals and 2,2'- azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radicals and to determine anticollagenase activity of HFO. The extraction of HFO from the flesh part using the steaming method resulted in the highest RSA values either using DPPH or ABTS radicals. HFO could inhibit the activity of collagenase by 26.87±0.391%. The highest yield of HFO was obtained using the steaming method, with extraction yields of flesh and offal of 2.02% and 2.05%, respectively. The acid values (AV) of HFOs obtained from different parts using the steaming method were 1.87±0.04 (flesh part), 1.88±0.07 (head) and 1.93±0.05 (offal). The saponification values (SV) of HFO using the same extraction method were 6.30±0.26, 6.17±0.07, and 6.30±0.23 for flesh, head and offal, respectively. The peroxide (PV) and iodine (IV) values were 85.37±2.86 and 198.51±7.68, 103.70±2.21 and 206.44±5.24, as well as 96.05±2.93 and 193.68±1.70, for flesh, head and offal, respectively. These parameters (AV, SV, PV and IV) met the requirements. Haruan fish oil has the potential to be developed as a source of the human diet.

Effect of storage on physicochemical properties, bioactive compounds and sensory attributes of drinks powder enriched with pumpkin (cucurbita moschata L.)

Pumpkin is an imperious vegetable and a large part of the pumpkin flesh goes unused resulting from pumpkin processing, so it needs to be processed properly to be used. The current study's goal was to prepare a drink powder enriched with pumpkin report the impact of storage on bioactive compounds and physicochemical characteristics of drink powder, and also evaluate the sensory properties of beverages prepared from drink powder. The powders were formulated and evaluated based on their physical properties, proximal compositions, minerals, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant ability as measured by DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power), and ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic) acid). Drink powder was made with a mixture of ingredients that were substituted with pumpkin pulp and seed powder in the proportions of 50:50 (S1), 20:30 (S2), 30:20 (S3), and 40:10 (S4). A sensory evaluation was carried out to select the most accepted combination. The most accepted product was subjected to nutritional analysis and storage studies, which were taken as criteria for good quality. Sample S3 had the highest protein, fat, fiber, and ash content while sample S1 had the highest carbohydrate content. It was also observed that enrichment with pumpkin powder enhanced the Mg, P, and Fe content of the drink powder. However, sample S1 had the highest DPPH radical scavenging ability, total phenolic content, and FRAP ability. During storage, a significant increase in moisture content, total sugar, and reducing sugar while a significant decrease in protein, fat, ash, fiber, and titratable acidity was observed. In addition, carotenoids, vitamin C, and antioxidant properties showed significant decreases during long-term storage at ambient temperature. Furthermore, sensory analysis was performed on pumpkin powder beverages, and based on results the color and texture of the drinks were not affected as the pumpkin powder content was increased. The drinks with 20 % pumpkin pulp and 30 % seed powder (S2) obtained the highest score for texture, taste, and overall acceptability assessed. However, the S1 and S3 are the best instances due to their better nutritional content. Hence, the drink powder that utilizes pumpkin may be an efficient means to preserve pumpkin and conserve its bioactive ingredients. In conclusion, pumpkin powder can be successfully incorporated into powdered drinks or other traditional products and also it is recognized as an excellent food source to meet daily nutritional needs.

Nile perch fish nuggets: Partial replacement of fish flesh with sesame hulls and sunroot — Quality assessment and storage stability

This study aimed to produce Nile perch fish nuggets by replacing a part of fish flesh with different concentrations of sesame hulls and sunroot to reach the optimal recipe. Chemical, microbiological, and sensory characteristics of nuggets were evaluated during 3 months of frozen storage at –18 °C. According to the obtained data on the chemical composition of raw materials, Nile perch flesh had the highest content of protein (20.21%), sesame hulls contained the highest amount of fat (13.54%), fiber (17.24%) and ash (16.11%), while sunroot tubers had the highest amount of carbohydrates (15.76%). Based on the sensory score, the acceptable replacement ratio for fish nuggets prepared with sunroot (T1) and sesame hulls (T2) was 10% and 7.5%, respectively. Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) analysis at zero time shows that the T1 samples had the minimum value compared to the T2 and control samples. During storage, the TBA levels increased slightly in all samples, but after three months T1 also showed the lowest value. The total plate count (TPC) and psychrophilic bacterial (PSY) count in the samples were affected by the period of frozen storage at –18 °C. The initial TPC and PSY loads were 2.32 and 2.02 log cfu/g for control; 2.24 and 1.72 log cfu/g for T1; 2.30 and 1.47 log cfu/g for T2, respectively. During storage, the values of TPC and Psy slightly decreased. In conclusion, this study succeeded in the replacement of Nile perch fish with sesame hulls and sunroot as new sources to improve the nutritional value and quality characteristics of fish nuggets.

Test of sunscreen activity of pineapple weevil ethanol extract (ananas comosus (L.) merr.) in gel and lotion preparations

Pineapple weevil waste is a residual part of the pineapple flesh which is usually thrown away and not used because of its hard inside. Sunscreen is a skin care product that serves to protect the skin from the dangers of the sun's rays. The purpose of this study was to identify the activity of gel and lotion sunscreens from pineapple weevil extract. This research method is pineapple weevil extract formulated into gel and lotion preparations, evaluation of the physical quality of preparations including organolepticality, homogeneity, pH, viscosity, dispersion, and adhesion as well as determination of spf values of gel and lotion preparations using UV spectrophotometry. The results of the study were obtained organoleptis gel preparations have a yellow color, gel shape, homogeneous, pH 7-7.6, viscosity 4340-5650 Cpoises, spreading power 6.6-7cm, adhesion -7-4.46 seconds. While the lotion preparation has a yellow color, lotion shape, homogeneous, pH 7.3, viscosity 1530 Cpoises, spreading power 7cm, adhesion 4.06 seconds. The SPF value obtained by the pineapple weevil sunscreen gel, which is 30.15, included in the ultra protection. Meanwhile, pineapple weevil sunscreen lotion, which is 42.23, included in the ultra protection. Overall, the pineapple weevil gel and lotion have good physical quality and have the efficacy of being a sunscreen.
 Pineapple weevil waste is a residual part of the pineapple flesh which is usually thrown away and not used because of its hard inside. Sunscreen is a skin care product that serves to protect the skin from the dangers of the sun's rays. The purpose of this study was to identify the activity of gel and lotion sunscreens from pineapple weevil extract. This research method is pineapple weevil extract formulated into gel and lotion preparations, evaluation of the physical quality of preparations including organolepticality, homogeneity, pH, viscosity, dispersion, and adhesion as well as determination of spf values of gel and lotion preparations using UV spectrophotometry. The results of the study were obtained organoleptis gel preparations have a yellow color, gel shape, homogeneous, pH 7-7.6, viscosity 4340-5650 Cpoises, spreading power 6.6-7cm, adhesion -7-4.46 seconds. While the lotion preparation has a yellow color, lotion shape, homogeneous, pH 7.3, viscosity 1530 Cpoises, spreading power 7cm, adhesion 4.06 seconds. The SPF value obtained by the pineapple weevil sunscreen gel, which is 30.15, included in the ultra protection. Meanwhile, pineapple weevil sunscreen lotion, which is 42.23, included in the ultra protection. Overall, the pineapple weevil gel and lotion have good physical quality and have the efficacy of being a sunscreen.

Russian Icons, 17th–18th c. Non-Destructive, Non-Invasive Diagnostic Methodology for an Integrated Study of Micrographic Triptychs from the Benaki Museum Collection

The study aims to enhance our knowledge of the materials and techniques applied in the making of Russian, portable ecclesiastical paintings produced after the 16th century, and to evaluate a pilot, non-destructive, non-invasive, research methodology proposed for their examination. Based on research relating to the historical background of their production and distribution in the South, the availability of materials and the applied techniques, a non-destructive, non-invasive methodology is exploited to examine three triptychs and two polyptych side panels belonging to the collection of the Benaki Museum. As their small size and excellent state of preservation prohibit sampling, a study scheme based on visual examination, the implementation of a series of spectral imaging techniques (VIS, IRRFC, SWIR, UVL, RTI, X ray) and a non-invasive micro XRF analysis is tested. Fiber and wood-type identification are carried out microscopically. The collected information relates to the making of the frames and the supports, the design, the use of metal foils and pigments, the order of application of paint layers and the rendering techniques. Due to the non-destructive, non-invasive character of the procedure, organic constituents are not thoroughly examined. Use of an expected palette was confirmed, but the modelling proved rather sophisticated. Among the most interesting finds were the use of distinct pigment mixtures for the underpaints of the flesh parts and certain deviations from the expected rendering techniques. The methodology proved very effective in terms of its output, the global approach of the construction technique, the user-friendly application, the low cost and time consumption factors.

Пространство культуры в зеркале городского ландшафта

The article investigates the main characteristics of the concept “space of culture” as one of the fundamental ontological characteristics of the “second nature” of human. It is proved that such space has a substantive integrity in the geo­graphical, speculative and metaphysical plans, that it carries coiled meanings and opportunities, which are realized in the construction of a system of relations be­tween objects of the urban environment. The city is a cultural landscape, formed by the superimposition of the sphere of meanings on a geographical place. In this context, the city itself and the objects filling it are considered in the opposition “artifact – counterfactual”, which is connected with the value and semantic con­tent of artificial objects. Through artifacts a metaphysical vertical of culture is built, in which the recognition of ideas and their material embodiment take place. Such an embodiment has an immanent expressiveness, which determines the visual side of the city’s cultural space. Here a special place is occupied by monuments, which, on the one hand, organize the space, acting as its aesthetic and semantic dominant, and, on the other hand, carry the pathos of the highest meaning of human existence. The semantic side of the space of urban culture determines its semiotic landscape, which is filled with narratives that form the city’s landmarks. These, in turn, are fleshed out with art objects that are part of the physical flesh of urban space. The semantic component implies the subjec­tive dimension of cultural space. It represents the mental constructs structuring the citizen’s life experience, in the space of which he/she experiences their pres­ence in the city. The authors show that such constructs are not hermetic subjec­tive formation. They are formed in the context of interpretation of the meanings of urban artifacts in the horizon of spiritual values of culture.

Bio Characterization via FTIR and GCMS Analysis of Cucurbita variety (Yellow and White Pumpkin)

The current study aimed to conduct phytochemical screening, FTIR, and GCMS analysis in squash (Cucurbita pepo L.,) also known as a yellow and white selected pumpkin. It’s one of the dicotyledonous vegetables consumed in daily diets that imparts high inhibitor properties of inflammation, cancer, and diabetes. Traditionally it is used as an anti-helminthic remedy. The phytochemical characterization can facilitate seeking out the substance with a therapeutic property. The peel, flesh, and seed sample of each pumpkin variety were used as sources and extracted consecutively with ethyl acetate and acetonitrile using the maceration method. Phytochemical screening and quantification were carried out by standard analytical methods. The functional groups of the sample extracts were analyzed using FT-IR methods. Further, phytochemical profiling was carried out utilizing the GCMS technique to identify the therapeutically important chemicals contained in the sample. Phytochemical analysis of ethyl acetate and acetonitrile extracts showed the presence of major components like alkaloids, phenol, carbohydrate, and proteins. The farthest alkaloid, phenol, carbohydrate, and protein varied consequently for different parts like peel, flesh, and seed. The FT-IR analysis of each extract in the peel, flesh, and seed revealed that the ethyl acetate extract had the most functional groups. The major peak was characterized at wavelength 3004.24 to 3421.05 nm which indicates O-H functional group. Further quantification and GC-MS analysis were performed in ethyl acetate extract. Remarkably, GC-MS analysis of yellow and white pumpkin ethyl acetate extracts showed the utmost 6 - 8 compounds within the flesh part. Further, employing these compounds for anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial assays may aid in the discovery of new drugs for therapeutic applications.

The current consumption of land snails in Tunisia: An ethnographic study

Piercing of land snails is archaeologically attested in prehistoric North Africa, but there is very little information about the techniques employed by the ancient peoples. This ethnographic study aims to throw light on this phenomenon. The consumption of land snails is one of the important culinary traditions of a large part of the current Tunisian population. Collected terrestrial gastropods and their preparation vary from one region to another and from one family to another. Consumption techniques depend on the position of the body of the mollusc at the entrance of the shell after cooking and the consumer's mastery of extraction techniques. In addition to simple extraction, the piercing of the shells, by human canines or by any other tool, offers an effective solution for removal of the animal from the shell. The position of the perforation on the shell (upper or lower part) is related to the part of the mollusc flesh desired by the consumer.

COMPOSITIONAL ENERGY VALUES, MACRO AND TRACE ELEMENTS IN THE CARIDEAN SPECIES, MACROBRACHIUM MACROBRACHION (HERKLOTS, 1851)

Edible crustaceans, such as prawns, are one of the most nutritious shellfish available to humans. Meanwhile, the macro-micro nutrient content of seafood determines their nutritional value. The study assessed the energy values, macro and trace elemental residues in the caridean species, Macrobrachium macrobrachion from the Lagos Lagoon in Nigeria. The protein contents obtained from M. macrobrachion were 50.16±0.00 % and 56.20±0.01 % for exoskeleton and flesh samples respectively. Crude fiber and total ash contents were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in exoskeleton compared to the flesh part. Flesh sample had the highest proportion of energy contribution, which was from protein (PEP = 63.8 %) while the least energy contribution was from fat (PEF = 17.0 %) in exoskeleton sample. The value of total macro element was higher in exoskeleton sample (626.23 mg 100g -1 ) than in flesh sample (402.28 mg 100g -1 ). The highest percentage difference (% D) in mineral content between exoskeleton and flesh samples of M. macrobrachion was recorded in phosphorus with the value of 46.93 %. All the computed mineral ratios were comparably lower than the reference values. Furthermore, all the minerals had calculated Mineral Safety Index lower than the tabulated, showing positive percentage differences ranging from 74.67 to 90.61 % and 85.07 to 93.65 % for exoskeleton and flesh samples respectively. The trace metal result showed that iron, zinc and copper were the most abundant elements in exoskeleton and flesh of M. macrobrachion whereas chromium, lead and cadmium were the least abundant trace element detected. Furthermore, most of the trace metal levels recorded in this study were below the maximum permitted concentrations. The nutrient composition recorded for M. macrobrachion implies that it could be a healthy diet option for health-conscious consumers.

Thermal emerging technology approach for the extraction of bioactive compounds from Cylindra beetroot (peel, flesh, and stalk) with green solvent

With the benefits of high temperature and short time treatment, microwave irradiation has conquered novel extraction technology to valorize food wastes. In this study, the extraction processes of bioactive compounds from beetroot peel were accomplished by a home-use microwave oven following the central composite design performed by R statistical software. Aside from peel, stalk and flesh were utilized for bioactive compounds extraction as a comparison under three different processing conditions. Concerning the control (extracted conventionally), superior amounts of betalains, phenolics, flavonoids, and the relevant antioxidants were scavenged at 800 W of microwave power together with 150 s of extraction period following the descending order: peel, flesh, and stalk. Their respective extraction yield percentages are 9.14% (peel), 11.37% (stalk), and 14.99% (flesh). Ultimately, our observation is a prove of the high extraction efficiency of the pure water solvent. Novelty impact statement Cylindra beetroot contains greater amounts of bioactive compounds in peel regarding its stalk and flesh parts. Extraction yield percentages were improved by two to three times with MAE.

Comparison of heglig ( Balanites aegyptiaca ) fruit parts in terms of bioactive properties, phenolic component, and mineral content

The protein contents of heglig fruit shell and flesh parts were determined as 6.31% and 5.44% (w/w), respectively. The total phenol amounts of fruit shell and flesh parts were established as 138.13 mg GAE/100 g and 144.03 mg GAE/100 g, respectively. Kaempferol, quercetin, and resveratrol were the dominant phenolic constituents of heglig fruit parts. While kaempferol contents of fruit shell and flesh parts are identified as 10.30 mg/100 g and 15.83 mg/100 g, quercetin contents of fruit shell and flesh parts were detected as 8.26 and 24.71 mg/100 g, respectively. While K amounts of fruit shell and flesh parts are determined as 7,680.96 and 2,122.23 mg/kg, Ca and Mg contents of fruit shell and flesh parts were measured as 3,543.38 and 2,198.54 mg/kg to 547.88 and 599.58 mg/kg, respectively. Phytochemical investigation of heglig fruits portions showed the presence of some important phytochemical compounds. Mineral results exhibited some fluctuations depending on fruit portions. Practical applications Balanites aegyptiaca fruit is used for food and feed in almost all parts of Africa. Bioactive compounds, antioxidant properties, polyphenols, and minerals of heglig fruit parts were evaluated. B. aegyptiaca (L.), a tree that is more valuable with its fruits and seeds, has a long history of use as a wide-spread woody plant resource in the African continent. The heglig (laloub) fruit can be eaten as fresh and dried. Heglig's fruits and seeds are widely used in different countries of Africa.

DNA Extraction and Quantification of Some Economically Important Fruits in Tamil Nadu

Humans can benefited greatly from functional foods in order to preserve good health. The research began with the extraction of DNA from the white edible section of Cocos nucifera and the flesh of Borassus flabellifer fruits using the simple, Edward, PCI, and CTAB methods. To confirm the existence of DNA, the complete isolated DNA was examined using the DPA and Keller-killani tests. Following the identification test, UV spectroscopy was used to quantify the results by taking the absorbance of the samples at 260nm and 280nm and quantified using absorbance ratio procedure. When compared to other procedures, the CTAB approach produces acceptable results at low temperatures. Both the white edible part of Cocos nucifera and flesh of Borassus flabellifer gave high purity DNA on extraction. Further the concentration of DNA obtained from Cocos nucifera was 4.94, 4.7, 5.25 and 8.25 µg\ml by simple, Edward PCI and CTAB methods respectively and for Borassus flabellifer the concentration DNA isolated was found to be 2.48, 2.14, 4.25, 6.4 µg\ml by simple, Edward PCI and CTAB methods respectively.

Analisis Kandungan Proksimat Daging Buah dan Biji Tiga Varietas Durian (Durio zibethinus Murr.) yang Berasal dari Tempat Tumbuh yang Berdekatan

Studies to compare the proximate content of durian fruit flesh and seeds have not been widely employing. Hence, this study aimed to analyze and compare this content in fruit flesh and seeds of three durian varieties from adjacent growing areas. The following methods used for proximate analysis were carbohydrates (by difference), protein (micro Kjeldahl), lipid (soxhlet), crude fiber (washing), moisture content (oven), ash content (furnace). In evaluating the difference in proximate content in these parts of three durian varieties, the resulting data were tested statistically using ANOVA =5%, followed by the DMRT test. In determining the difference in the proximate content between the fruit flesh and durian seeds, the independent samples T-test was used with =5%. All data collected were then compared with the USDA National Nutrient and the Directorate of Nutrition at the Ministry of Health databases. The results showed that three durian varieties from adjacent growing areas had significantly different protein and carbohydrate content (in fruit flesh), ash content, protein, and carbohydrates (in seeds). The flesh part of the three varieties of durian contains water, protein, fat, crude fiber, which is significantly different from durian seeds. This study is higher than the comparison data

Anti-diabetic Activity of the Red Dragon Fruit Peel (Hylocereus polyrhizus) in Ethanol Extract against Diabetic Rats

Background: The red dragon fruit peel, which is rarely used in general, contains higher antioxidant properties compared to the flesh parts and has various secondary metabolites utilised in medicines. Objectives: This study was aimed to determine the effects of ethanol extract administration of the red dragon fruit peel (Hylocereus polyrhizus) against the decline of blood glucose levels in diabetes mellitus rats. Methods: In this study, the total of 24 male white Wistar rats (Rattus novergicus) were divided into 4 groups. All experimental animals were induced to diabetic conditions by the administration of streptozotocin and nicotinamide dosages at 45 mg/kg body weight and 110 mg/kg body weight, respectively. For 14 days, each group was treated accordingly. The first group or negative control (NC) was treated with the administration of CMC-Na 0.5% dose 2 ml/200 g body weight; the second group or positive control (PC) was administrated with glibenclamide dose 0.09 mg/200 g body weight; the third (E1) and fourth (E2) groups were administered with the ethanol extracts of the red dragon fruit peels at dosages of 37.44 mg/200 g body weight and 74.88 mg/200 g body weight, respectively. Results: After the 14-day trial, the average levels of blood glucose on the negative control group (382.92 mg/dl) experienced no decline, and the blood glucose levels amongst groups were statistically different (p<0.05). Conclusion: The anti-diabetic activity of the red dragon fruit peel in the ethanol extract dose 74.88 mg/200 g body weight is statistically equal to the glibenclamide dose 0.09 mg/200 g body weight.

Comparative Assay of the Nutritional Composition and Antioxidant Effect of the Cotyledon and Pulp of Chrysophyllum albidum fruit

Background: Chrysophyllum albidum has been widely consumed for its flesh part as a fruit snack and source of vitamins but also grossly under-utilized because of dearth of knowledge on nutritional and therapeutic potencies of other fruit parts. This study thus aimed to comparatively determine the nutritional, phytochemical and in vitro antioxidant properties of the flesh and cotyledon of C. albidum.&#x0D; Methods: Proximate and phytochemical contents were determined according to the methods of Association of Official Analytical Chemists (2000). Mineral concentrations were evaluated using Atom Analyzer according to the protocols of AOAC (2000). Antioxidant properties were assayed through the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl radical scavenging, reducing power and lipid peroxidation abilities according to the methods of Barros et al (2007).&#x0D; Results: Findings indicated a higher percentage contents of ash (3.83 ± 0.38), moisture (13.86 ± 0.84), crude fiber (11.07 ± 2.72) and crude protein (7.44 ± 0.44) in the flesh than the cotyledon of C. albidum, which were insignificantly different (p &gt; 0.05). On the other hand, crude fat (13.80 ± 2.60) and total carbohydrate (64.96 ± 2.77) were found to be more in the cotyledon than the flesh but also not significantly different (p &gt; 0.05). The mineral analysis revealed a higher but insignificantly different (p &gt; 0.05) concentrations of iron (2.31 ± 0.22), copper (1.23 ± 0.09), zinc (2.94 ± 0.12) and potassium (1.48 ± 0.09) in the flesh than the cotyledon whereas cobalt (3.09 ± 0.92), magnesium (21.13 ± 0.58), sodium (16.27 ± 0.62) and selenium (4.24 ± 0.28) were more in the cotyledon than the flesh although insignificantly different (p &gt; 0.05). While the flesh was observed to significantly contain high total phenol values, the cotyledon showed more significant mean values for tannin, oxalate, saponin and β-carotene than the flesh. The in vitro DPPH free radical scavenging and lipid peroxidation inhibition findings indicated higher antioxidant activities in the flesh than in the seed.&#x0D; Conclusion: Conclusively, the flesh and seed fruit parts of C. albidum showed considerable and significant amounts of the parameters under study, which can be further exploited for their nutritional and pharmacological essence.

Computer Aided Detection System using Entropy Based Segmentation as Decision Support for Detection of Neoplasms and Comparison of Feature Spaces for Classification

Objective: To design a computer aided detection system for the early detection of the breast cancer from the mammograms as it can assist the doctors in the diagnosis. Methodology: The proposed method used in the design of Computer-Aided Detection (CAD) is based the on using the textural differences of the abnormal and normal mammograms to detect the breast cancer. The Gabor Features and gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) features are extracted from the region of interest of the segmented mammograms using the Entropy based segmentation. The Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier is used for classifying the mammograms into the cancerous and non-cancerous cases. The 35 number of normal and abnormal mammograms are taken from the Mammographic Image Analysis Society (MIAS) data set. The MIAS database is chosen as it carries more challenging data because it carries lot of unwanted tissues and flesh part included in it which has the intensity level more than the micro-calcifications. Findings: The classification accuracies obtained are 92.98% and 98.11% using Gabor and gray-level co-occurrence matrix features respectively. The sensitivity achieved with the gray-level co-occurrence matrix features is 100% which shows no missed cancerous case. The classification accuracy is higher using gray-level co-occurrence matrix features as compared to the Gabor features which shows superiority of these features in capturing the texture of the mammograms. Novelty: The removal of the pectoral muscle is an important pre-processing step. Only with the proper elimination of the pectoral muscle, the segmentation of the mammograms is possible. The method proposed to remove the pectoral muscle in this paper removed the pectoral muscles from all the mammograms used in the study. The entropy based segmentation and the technique of the removal of the non-contributing features outperforms other CAD systems in the literature available. These are very promising results for successful design of a Computer-aided detection system for early detection of the breast cancer that can be put to clinical trials or used for the double reading. Keywords: Breast Cancer; Computer Aided Detection System; Entropy based Segmentation; Gabor Features; GrayLevel CoOccurrence Matrix Features

Effect of different heating conditions on odor of yellowtail Seriola quinqueradiata muscles.

The effects of different heating conditions set to prevent food poisoning on the volatile components, lipid oxidation, and odor of yellowtail, Seriola quinqueradiata, were investigated. The heating conditions did not affect the lipid oxidation, fatty acid composition, and volatile compounds of each part of the flesh. High-temperature/short-time (90 °C for 6 min) heating led to significantly higher trimethylamine (TMA) contents in all muscle parts and higher odor intensity of TMA in dark muscle (DM) compared to those of lower temperature heating. Sensory evaluation showed that the odor intensities of all muscle parts heated at high-temperature/short-time were stronger than those at low-temperature/long-time (63 °C for 30 min). All DM samples had less odor palatability than the other flesh parts. Therefore, DM may have contributed to the unfavorable odor of steamed yellowtail meat and high-temperature/short-time heating may have enhanced the odor of all flesh parts compared with those subjected to low-temperature/long-time.

Genomic Characterization and Plasmid Profile of Listeria and Salmonella Species Isolated from Oreochromis niloticus Sold in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Fish are generally regarded as safe, nutritious and beneficial but aquaculture products have sometimes been associated with certain food safety issues. Consumption of fish may also cause diseases due to infection or intoxication, Hence, the aim of this study is to characterize using genomic analysis and plasmid profile of Listeria and Salmonella species isolated from Oreochromis niloticus sold in Port Harcourt. A total of one hundred and eighty samples (180) were collected from three different markets namely; Creek road, Mile one and Rumuokoro markets over a period of six months. The samples were labelled and transported in an ice packed coolers to the laboratory for analyses. Standard analytical protocols were employed to determine the bacteriological characteristics of the various parts such as Intestine, Gill, flesh of the sample. Statistical analyses were carried out using ANOVA and All pairs tukey-kramer. Results obtained from the study showed that the total heterotrophic bacteria count ranged from 5.1 to 5.9 x10 x106cfu/g across the markets for the flesh part, 6.0 to 7.7 x106 cfu/g (Gill) and 7.1 to 7.6 x106 cfu/g for the intestinal samples. Total coliform count ranged from 4.2 to 5.4 x104cfu/g (flesh), 5.2 to 5.4 x104 cfu/g ((Gill) and 6.1 to 8.0 x104 cfu/g (Intestine). Listeria count range from 2.7 to 2.9 x104 cfu/g (Fresh), 3.3 to 3.7 cfu/g (Gill)), and 3.8 to 4.3 cfu/g (Intestine), and Salmonella count ranged from 1.0 x103 - 1 .1 x103 cfu/g (Flesh) 1.0 to 1.6 x103 cfu/g (Gill) and 1.2 to 2.0 x103 cfu/g (intestine). This results shows that the intestines harbours more bacterial load than the gill and flesh. Mean values for all the microbial counts were significantly different (P&lt;0.05) in the three samples across the sampled markets The result of the conventional and genomics identification confirms the following species of Listeria and Salmonella: L. grayi VD-Sfg with accession number MW020239 having a closest gene bank match with Listeria grayi CIP 100% identified, L. monocytogenes VD-Sfg with accession number MW020240 closest to L. monocytogenes NCTC 10357 with 99.73% identified, L. seeligeri VD-SFF accession number MW020241 closet to L. seeligeri ATCC 35967 with 98.95%, L. welshimeri VD-SF MW020242 closest to L. welshimeri ATCC 35897 with 99.9%, L. monocytogenes VD-Fg MW020243 closet to L. monocytogenes NCTC 10357 eith 99.73% identity, S. bongori VD-SwfiA MW020245 closest to S. bongori NCTC 12419 and S. enterica VD-SwfiD MW20244 closest with S. entrica LT2 both with 100% identity. Gel electrophoresis of the plasmid DNA showed that all the isolates possess plasmid. This finding is of public health concern as these organisms are the known causes of food-borne diseases and also serve as reservoirs for resistance plasmids that may be transferred to otherwise susceptible bacteria making them resistant, thus increasing the occurrence of antibiotic resistance among microorganisms.

Phytochemical content and antioxidant properties of Bornean wild durian from Sabah

Borneo is the centre of diversity of the genus Durio (family: Malvaceae; local name: durian). Durian fruit is known to contain high amounts of the major bioactive compounds (as antioxidants) such as anthocyanins, carotenoids, polyphenols and flavonoids. Two types of wild durian species, namely Durio kinabaluensis Kosterm. & Soegeng (durian tupoloh) and Durio oxleyanus Griff. (durian sukang) were studied. The 80% methanolic extracts of flesh, seed and peel (mesocarp and exocarp) were analysed for antioxidant activities, total phenolic and total flavonoid content. The antioxidant activities were determined using three parameters; 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical assay (DPPH), 2,2’-Azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) radical cation assay, and Ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP). Durio kinabaluensis mesocarp extract displayed the highest antioxidant properties and total phenolic content. The non-edible parts of both durians (seed and peel) exhibited higher phytochemical contents and antioxidant properties compared to the flesh parts. This data may contribute to the pharmaceutical applications, health benefit information of wild durians and helps in popularising the potential of these fruits in international markets and ultimately protects them from extinction.

‘No Bodies’

This essay examines the political implications of acts of violence committed against Kashmiri civilians by the Indian military, who target human flesh and body parts instead of the whole body. My argument is premised on the contemporary shock and awe thanatopolitical strategies of the Indian state that aim to traumatize the civilian through horroristic violence, to the extent that they offer no opposition. Drawing upon the notions of ‘horrorism’ and ‘pulverization of the human’, I will discuss the ways in which the violence inflicted on Kashmiri bodies not only erases their uniqueness and individuality, but also leaves them unrecognizable as human bodies, so that they fail to elicit any empathy in spectators. In so doing, this essay examines strategies of violence designed to immobilize and paralyze not only Kashmiri civilians, but also spectators of such horrific incidents. Using Feroz Rather’s The Night of Broken Glass and Mirza Waheed’s The Collaborator, two novels that desanitize the war in Kashmir by showing bodily injuries in their raw state, I engage the aesthetics of flesh and its political implications. I discuss the ways in which both narratives deploy tropes of immediate and excessive violence, disturbing violations of the human body, not only to challenge mainstream political narratives about the Muslim world, in particular Kashmir, but also to reorient the reader’s ideas about what this war means to Kashmiris. I show how both novels leave room for an unthought-of-sphere for something (the pulverized Kashmiri body) that is silenced and deliberately made invisible. In so doing, both novels aim to encourage in the reader what Jill Bennett calls ‘empathic vision’ by challenging the politics of invisibility surrounding these bodies by making them visible in their fictional narratives.