Percent Moisture Content Research Articles

Penggunaan Mikroorganisma Effektif (IMO) dalam Pengkomposan Campuran Sisa Makanan dan Sisa Taman Berskala Industri

The aim of this research is to determine the performance of effective microorganisms (EM) in the composting of mixed food and yard wastes on an industrial scale. Composting parameters such as temperature, moisture content, pH, and the carbon to nitrogen ratio (C:N), as well as the maturity of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK), were determined. For this purpose, the type of EM used to accelerate the composting process is Indigenous Microorganism (IMO). The study, which was conducted using the best EM, accelerated the composting process, wherein it only takes approximately 13 weeks for the decomposition process to occur in each heap. The results show that the final temperature for each heap is between 25.57 and 28.03 ͦ C, the percentage of moisture content is between 45.55 and 60.49%, the pH is between 6.81 and 7:41, the ratio of carbon to nitrogen is between 17:1 and 23:1, the NPK value for nitrogen ammonia is between 0 mg/L and 0.56 mg/L, the potassium content is between 2.25 and 3.25 ppm, and the value of phosphorus is between 0.56 and 0.76 ppm. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the quality of the compost produced for all piles is high. Due to the slight differences in parameters between all piles, the effectiveness of EM IMO was not conclusive for either open or closed aerated piles, and further research needs to be done.

Comparative study of physical, mechanical, and thermal properties on sugar palm fiber (Arenga pinnata (Wurmb) Merr.) reinforced vinyl ester composites obtained from different geographical locations

Sugar palm fibers (SPF) reinforced vinyl ester (VE) composites were prepared in this study. The SPFs were obtained from three different geographical locations: Kuala Jempol (Peninsular Malaysia), Tawau (West Malaysia), and Tasik Malaya (Indonesia). The SPFs were utilized as reinforcement material with a fixed loading of 10 wt.%. The reinforced VE composites were prepared using a wet lay-up compression moulding method. The physical properties examined were water absorption, thickness swelling, and moisture content. To determine the strength of the SPF composites, tests on the tensile, flexural, and impact strength related to mechanical properties were completed. A thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was completed to observe the thermal properties. This study confirmed that the properties of the composites were affected by the strength of the fiber. The SPF/VE composites obtained from Kuala Jempol had the highest tensile, flexural, and impact strength compared to the SPF/VE composites from Indonesia and Tawua. In addition, SPF Jempol/VE also recorded the highest percentage of water absorption, thickness swelling, and moisture content. A comparison of thermal properties showed that SPF Tawau/VE had highest percentage of mass loss between fibers from the three geographic locations.

Maize Grain Stored in Hermetic Bags: Effect of Moisture and Pest Infestation on Grain Quality

Maize (Zea mays) is an important staple food crop produced by the majority of smallholder farmers that provides household food security through direct consumption and income generation. However, postharvest grain losses caused by insect pests during storage pose a major constraint to household food security. Hermetic storage technology is an alternative method that minimises postharvest losses by depleting oxygen and increasing carbon dioxide levels within the storage container through metabolic respiration of the grains, insects, and microorganism. Maize grain was stored for 180 days in hermetic bags or open-weave polypropylene bags to compare quality preservation when subject to initial grain moisture contents of 12, 14, 16, and 18 percent and infestation by Sitophilus zeamais. The moisture content of grain in hermetic bags remained unchanged while in polypropylene bags decreased. Dry grains (12% moisture content) stored well in hermetic bags and suffered 1.2% weight loss while for equivalent grains in polypropylene bags the weight loss was 35.8%. Moist grains (18% moisture content) recorded the lowest insect density (7 adults/kg grain) in hermetic bags while polypropylene bags had the highest (1273 adults/kg grain). Hermetic and polypropylene bags recorded the lowest (0–4 adults/kg grain) and highest (16–41 adults/kg grain) Prostephanus truncatus population, respectively. Discoloured grains were 4, 6, and 12 times more in grains at 14, 16, and 18 than 12 percent moisture content in hermetic bags. Grains at 18% moisture content recorded significantly lower oxygen (10.2%) and higher carbon dioxide (18.9%) levels. Holes made by P. truncatus in the hermetic bags were observed. In conclusion, storage of moist grains (14–18% moisture content) in hermetic bags may pose health risk due to grain discolouration caused by fungal growth that produces mycotoxins if the grains enter the food chain. The study was on only one site which was hot and dry and further investigation under cool, hot, and humid conditions is required.

Storage of mungbean in hermetic PVC tank: Presentation

This research was carried out to evaluate the effect of hermetic storage on quality of mungbean. About 260 kg of mungbean samples were stored in an especially design 350 L capacity hermetic PVC tanks (hermetic tank) and non-hermetic PVC tanks (control tank). Hermetic PVC tanks were closed air-tightly. All tanks were randomly placed in a warehouse. Each hermetic and control PVC tanks were artificially infested by 50 unsexed Callosobruchus chinensis kept in 4 glass jars containing 100 g of mungbean and jars were dipped in four different depths. The gas concentrations in the tanks were monitored up to 6 months intervals. Percentages of germination, moisture content, and grain damage were evaluated at the end of the storage. The oxygen content of hermetic samples was dropped to 11±1.2% and carbon dioxide content was increased up to 7±0.7% within 6 months of storage. Live insects of C. chinensis were not found in hermetic samples after 6 months but abundant population of C. chinensis was found in the control PVC tank just after one month. After 6 months, germination percentage of the mungbean samples stored in hermetic tanks had decreased from 95±3% to 82±4%, whereas it was decreased from 95±3% to 47±7% in control tanks due to grain damage. Percent grain damage of the hermetic sample was only 4.5±1% compared to the heavy insect damage of the control samples. Moisture content of hermetic samples remained unchanged compare to the control.

Ecological Determinants of Wood-Rotting Fungal Diversity and First Report of Favolaschia calocera, an Invasive Species from India

The present investigation was carried out in Phek district, Nagaland, on seasonal basis for a period of 2 years from December 2014 to November 2016. A total of 56 wood-rotting fungi were identified. Among these, Favolaschia calocera R. Heim is reported for the first time from India. It belongs to the family Marasmiaceae. Highest number of wood-rotting fungi and the species abundance were recorded during summer (39 species and 53.45%, respectively). Maximum number of wood-rotting fungi was supported by logs (34 species). Based on decay stages of wood, decay stage III harbored the highest number of wood-rotting fungi (32 species). The number of species occurring on the sapwood and on bark was equal (23 each) and 10 were common to both. The pH and percentage moisture content of the hosts ranged from 2.88 to 6.57 and 10 to 58, respectively. Majority of wood-rotting fungi were collected from hosts growing under light-exposed condition (39 species) than those growing under shaded condition, whereas eight species were found growing under both the conditions. It was observed that species growing under shaded condition preferred later stages of wood decay (decay stages IV and V) and higher moisture content (above 30%), irrespective of the types and pH of the hosts. The present study provides baseline information on the ecology of wood-rotting fungal species.

DETERMINATION OF WATER ACTIVITY, pH, COAGULASE POSITIVE Staphylococcus COUNTS, TOTAL AND FECAL COLIFORM COUNTS IN MINAS MEIA CURA CHEESE SOLD IN STREET MARKETS IN THE SOUTHERN REGION OF THE CITY OF SÃO PAULO

The objective of the present study was to determine the water activity and pH, as well as toenumerate coagulase positive Staphylococcus, total and fecal coliforms in 32 samples ofMinas meia cura cheese purchased in street markets in the southern region of the city of SãoPaulo. In order to classify the product in terms of percentage moisture content, 5 sampleswere submitted to the analysis. Mean values obtained in physical-chemical analyses were 0.96for water activity, 4.91 for pH. These values do not represent obstacles for the multiplication /survival of agents of hygienic-sanitary importance in the product. Considering that the meanmoisture level was 40.31%, this cheese is classified as presenting medium moisture,according to the regulation RDC no.12. In the analyses performed, 40.62 % (13/32) of thesamples presented fecal coliform counts above the standard determined by the regulation, and28.12% (9/32) of them were above the standard for coagulase positive Staphylococcus. Itshould be pointed out that 3 (9.37%) of the samples were above the standards for bothanalyses. Thus, 19 (59.38%) samples were considered to be inadequate for consumptionbecause they presented at least one of the microbiological requirements above the legalstandards determined for the product, and therefore, were classified as “products ininadequate sanitary conditions”.

Development and characterization of pomegranate and orange fruit peel extract based silver nanoparticles

Background: Nanoparticles are those whose size ranges 1 nm to 100 nm. They are in different sizes and shape, such as triangular, spherical, irregular, etc. In recent years, nanoparticles synthesis has received considerable attention due to their unique properties and potential applications. Powdered sample (100gm)was extracted with 800ml ethanol by Soxhlet extraction method for 6 hours. The resultant extract was used to prepare nanoparticles.Methods: The main objective of the present work was to prepare pomegranate and orange peel extract based nano particles by chemical complexation method. Ethanolic extracts of pomegranate and orange peel were prepared by using Soxhlet apparatus and evaluated for phyto-chemical constituents.Results: Qualitative analysis of pomegranate peel showed positive results for Alkaloids, Anthraquinones, Saponins and Terpenoids, where as orange peel showed positive results for Alkaloids, Tannin and Saponins. The percentage moisture content obtained from the 2 fruits (pomegranate and orange) was 72% and 96.12% respectively. The pH was found to be 3.6 and 3.8 for pomegranate and orange respectively. A zeta potential of prepared nanoparticles for pomegranate extract was found in the range of -24.6 mV to -34.5 mV (P20 & P50) and -21.4 mV to 32.0 mV (O20 & O50) for orange extract, respectively. These values of nanoparticles having higher surface charge which indicates there is least chance of aggregation. The particle size for pomegranate extract was found in the range of 118.6 nm to 231.7 nm (P20 & P30) and 178.8 nm to 191.6 nm (O20 & O50) for orange extract, respectively. These range confirms that obtained particles were in nano range, i.e. <500 nm size. SEM results indicated the formation of nanoparticles and were relatively spherical in shape. Energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) analysis confirms the presence of AgNPs.Conclusion: The silver nanoparticles were prepared by using fruit peels extract of pomegranate and orange. Computability study FT-IR showed no any change of functional groups of peel extracts in prepared nanoparticles. Zeta potential showed higher value hence less particle aggregation. Prepared nanoparticles were spherical in shape and having particle size of approximately 200±20nm. Further the study will be extended for anti-microbial and wound healing activities.JMMIHS,2018;4(1):72-85

Fabrication and characterization of matrix type transdermal patches loaded with tizanidine hydrochloride: potential sustained release delivery system

Objective: This study was designed to optimize and develop matrix type transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS) containing tizanidine hydrochloride (TZH) using different polymers by solvent evaporation method.Significance: A strong need exists for the development of transdermal patch having improved bioavailability at the site of action with fewer side effects at off-target organs.Methods: The patches were physically characterized by texture analysis (color, flexibility, smoothness, transparency, and homogeneity), in vitro dissolution test and FTIR analysis. Furthermore, functional properties essential for TDDS, in vitro percentage of moisture content, percentage of water uptake, in vitro permeation by following different kinetic models, in vivo drug content estimation and skin irritation were determined using rabbit skin.Results: The optimized patches were soft, of uniform texture and thickness as well as pliable in nature. Novel transdermal patch showed ideal characteristics in terms of moisture content and water uptake. FTIR analysis confirmed no interaction between TZH and cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP). The patch showed sustained release of the drug which increased the availability of short acting TZH at the site of action. The patch also showed its biocompatibility to the in vivo model of rabbit skin.Conclusions: The results demonstrated that topically applied transdermal patch will be a potential medicated sustain release patch for muscle pain which will improve patient compliance.

PREPARATION AND EVALUATION OF SIMVASTATIN TRANSDERMAL FILM

Objective: The objective of the study was to prepare simvastatin transdermal films for the treatment of atherosclerosis and to evaluate the effect of concentration of polymer on penetration enhancement.Methods: Solvent evaporation technique was employed for the preparation of films and the prepared films were evaluated for various physicochemical properties of films such as tensile strength, thickness, surface pH, swellability, drug content, moisture content and folding endurance. In vitro drug, release study and release kinetics were also studied.Results: Tensile strength ranged from 3.56±0.343 to 4.56±0.12 (N/mm²). The films were of uniform weight. Thickness varied from 0.2±0.3 mm to 0.2±0.8 mm. Surface pH ranged from 6.6±0.14 to 6.9±0.16. Percentage swellability ranged from12.1±0.36 to 16.3±0.22. Percentage drug content ranged from 88.4±0.7% to 90.5±0.6% in all the formulation. Percentage moisture content ranged from 0.864 to 1.03%. Moisture uptake was from 2.6±0.24 to 2.9±0.072. The folding endurance test gave satisfactory results and F3 formulation showed maximum drug release.Conclusion: From the study, it was concluded that out of various formulations, the F3 formulation was found to be the optimum formulation with 88% drug release at the fourteenth hour.Keywords: Simvastatin, Transdermal film, Solvent evaporation, Penetration enhancer, Swellability

Production Of 100 Kg/Day of Zeolite a as a Builder for Powdered Detergent from Nigerian Ahoko Kaolin Using Locally Fabricated Mini Zeolite Plant

This project was aimed at assembling a plant already designed and fabricated, mainly furnace and crystallizer to produce a 100 kg/day of zeolite A. The produced Zeolite A was used to formulates a powdered detergent. The detergent grade Zeolite A was produced via hydrothermal process and used as substitutes for phosphates in the formulation of a powdered detergent. The formulation of the powder detergent was done by mixing and homogenising Sodium sulphate, linear alkyl benzene sulphonate acid (LABSA), Zeolite A, sodium tripolyphosphate (STTP), sodium silicate, and soda ash in a mixing unit. A 100 g of the detergent contains 55 % sodium sulphate (Na2SO3), 15 % LABSA, 8 % sodium silicate, 7 % soda ash (Na2CO3) and the remaining 15 % is formed by either (100 %) Zeolite A or a Zeolite A:STPP in a 50:50 ratio. In this formulation, aesthetics value additives such as optical brightener, perfumes, preservatives, active enzymes and stabilizer were not used. The Zeolite A produced was characterized using x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope. The characterisation shows that the peaks conform with standard Zeolite A, with peaks at 5, 10, 13, 16, 20, 22, 24, 28, 30 and 34 °(2theta) respectively, while the SEM image reveals a particle size of 2.47 µm and a cubical surface morphology. The powdered detergent formulated was characterised and it shows a pH of between 9.8 - 10.2, while 9.5 for commercial detergent, a foam height of 85 - 90 cm, where as commercial detergent has 99 cm, percentage moisture content of 5.1 to 7.2 %, while 8.0 % was for commercial detergent. Therefore, this comparison with a commercial phosphate based detergents and standard organization of Nigeria (SON) standards shows that Zeolite A is a good substitute for phosphates in detergent formulations.

Effect of Storage on Protein Composition of Fermented Soybean (Glycine Max) Seed by Bacillus Subtillis

The effect of storage (shelf life) on percentage protein composition of stored fermented soybean seed was studied. Samples were fermented with Bacillus substilis (as a starter culture) and without (natural fermentation) for 3 days. Two methods of preservation were used, namely; oven drying and salting. Each sample was oven dried within 4-24hours and the percentage moisture content removed was calculated. 1-3% salt was also added to the fermented samples to monitor the effect of salting on the shelf life. Constant weight was obtained from 12hours of drying and about 0% moisture content which is very close to total dryness was obtained in both fermented soybean samples. Samples were monitored for two weeks. The protein content reduced with storage duration while pH moved towards acidic medium.

Influence of priming and nitrogen on growth behavior of buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) in rainfed condition of midhill in Nepal

An experiment was conducted during winter, 2010/11 at IAAS, Lamjung with the objective of studying effect of seed priming and nitrogen levels on yield and yield attributing characters of buckwheat. Altogether, there were 9 treatments of seed priming hours (0, 18 and 36) combined with nitrogen levels (30, 45 and 60 kg/ha). The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design and each treatment was replicated thrice. The seed priming of 36 hours had resulted in significantly higher germination percentage in both 15 days after sowing (DAS) (4.40%) and 30 (DAS) (5.74%) The total germination percentage was also significantly higher (48.4%) with 36 hr seed priming. The main and interaction effects of seed priming and nitrogen levels had significant influence on days to 50% flowering. The dry biomass per plant, grain yield, straw yield, harvest index and percentage moisture content of biomass at harvest were found non-significantly different due to seed priming and nitrogen levels. The highest value for dry matter accumulation per plant (5.24 gm/plant), straw yield (8706 kg/ha) and % moisture content (71.0%) was recorded with 36 hr seed priming whereas the highest value for grain yield (1599 kg/ha), and harvest index (19.8) was obtained with 18 hr seed priming. Likewise, dry matter accumulation (5.38 gm/plant), grain yield (1575 kg/ha) and harvest index (22.0) was found highest in 45 kg N/ha. Similarly, the straw yield (9153 kg/ha) and % moisture content (75.3%) was found highest in the treatment with 60 kg N/ha. The interaction effect between nitrogen level and priming was found non-significant and the highest grain yield (2091 kg/ha) was obtained from 18 hr seed priming with 45 kg N/ha. Phosphorus consumption rate was intrestingly higher in buckwheat plot with nitrogen application. Moderate consumption of potassium was also observed while nitrogen content in soil remain apparantly unchanged and similar was the case with soil pH and organic matter content. Application of phosphatic fertilizer would be benefitial for buckwheat cultivation. Further experiment should be done to verify the effective dose of fertilizer.Journal of the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science. Vol. 33-34, 2015, Page: 47-54

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND THE ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF TWO EDIBLE MUSHROOMS

The proximate composition and minerals contents of two edible mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus and Agaricus bisporus) flours used in Egypt were investigated. Also, ethyl acetate, ethanol, methanol and distilled water were used to fractionate soluble compounds from the mushrooms in ascending polarity by sequentially extracting. As well as, total phenolic, total flavonoid compounds and the antioxidants activity for these extracts were investigated. The percentage moisture content ranged between 90.47% in Pleurotus ostreatus to 90.55% in Agaricus bisporus. The crude protein ranged from 3.25% in Pleurotus ostreatus to 3.48% in Agaricus bisporus. Total carbohydrates ranged from 5.23% in Agaricus bisporusto 5.35%±0.03 in Pleurotus ostreatus. The most abundant mineral element is potassium (ranging from 2376.8 to 2820.5 mg/100 g on dry weight base (DW) for Agaricus bisporus and Pleurotus ostreatus, respectively) followed by Phosphorus (ranging from 537 to 754 mg/100 g on DW for Pleurotus ostreatus and Agaricus bisporus, respectively). The antioxidant activity of different extracts for two mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus and Pleurotus ostreatus) increased gradually as concentration increases. These results compatible with those results recorded for total phenolic compounds of investigated mushroom. In conclusion, mushrooms, in spite of the great variability observed among species, represent an interesting food item that can contribute to the formulation of a well-balanced diet.

Heat and Mass Transfer Properties of Sugar Maple Wood Treated by the Thermo-Hygro-Mechanical Densification Process

This study investigated the evolution of the density, gas permeability, and thermal conductivity of sugar maple wood during the thermo-hygro-mechanical densification process. The results suggested that the oven-dry average density of densified samples was significantly higher than that of the control samples. However, the oven-dry density did not show a linear increase with the decrease of wood samples thickness. The radial intrinsic gas permeability of the control samples was 5 to 40 times higher than that of densified samples, which indicated that the void volume of wood was reduced notably after the densification process. The thermal conductivity increased by 0.5–1.5 percent for an increase of one percent moisture content for densified samples. The thermal conductivity of densified wood was lower than that of the control samples. The densification time had significant effects on the oven-dry density and gas permeability. Both densification time and moisture content had significant effects on thermal conductivity but their interaction effect was not significant.

Design and Evaluation of Transdermal Patches of Timolol Maleate.

Continuous intravenous infusion of controlled drug delivery has certain risks. This could be diligently duplicated devoid of its hassles by using the skin as the port of drug entry. Transdermal drug delivery system is the main route with discrete, self-contained dosage forms when placed on the skin, transporting the medicament through the skin into the systemic circulation in a wellcontrolled manner. The rationale of the current work was to formulate and evaluate a transdermal patch of an antihypertensive drug by using different grades of polymers with a view to circumvent the hepatic first pass metabolism and also to escalate its bioavailability. Solvent-casting method was used to prepare transdermal patches of timolol maleate using Eudragit RL100, Eudragit RS100, ethyl cellulose as polymers, and dibutyl phthalate as the plasticizer. The formulated patches were evaluated for their physiochemical parameters such as folding endurance, percentage moisture content, thickness, and water vapour transmission. The formulated patches were subjected to in-vitro permeation studies by using a Franz diffusion cell with a dialysis sac. The optimized formulation chosen on the basis of physiochemical characteristics and in-vitro studies was subjected to in-vivo studies on methyl prednisolone acetate-induced hypertensive rats. The data from release kinetics disclosed that the Korsmayer-Peppas could be the best fitting model. The results obtained from in-vitro studies disclosed that formulation with high proportion of Eudragit grade RL100 in acetone solvent system exhibited better drug release compared to rest of the formulations. The output obtained from in-vivo studies performed on rats revealed that the optimized formulation showed decrease in blood pressure from 158.53 ± 0.39 to 128.91 ± 0.50 mmHg. It was concluded that timolol maleate patch could be formulated into a matrix-type transdermal patch for the management of hypertension.

THE PHYSIOLOGICAL AND NUTRITIONAL CONTENT CHANGES OF JELUTUNG (Dyera polyphylla (Miq.) Steenis) SEED THROUGH SEED DRYING AND STORAGE

Seed deterioration is the process of deteriorated seed in view of viability that has changed its physiological and nutritional content. This paper studies the effect of seed drying and seed storage to the viability and biochemical content of jelutung (Dyera polyphylla (Miq.) Steenis) seeds. Completely Randomized Design was used for different level of seed drying time, i.e. 0, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours, and Completely Randomized Factorial Design was used for the combination of seed drying treatments of 0, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours in different rooms for seed storage (ambient room, air conditioned room, refrigerator) with variables of moisture content, germination percentage and nutritional content. Result shows that seed drying and seed storage treatments pursue the change of seed viability and nutritional content of jelutung seed. The period of time in seed drying and seed storage siginificantly influence the moisture content, germination percentage and nutritional composition (lipid, carbohydrate, protein). The longer time of seed drying will effect significantly to the moisture content and germination percentage, increasing the lipid and protein and decreasing carbohydrate. Jelutung seed that was stored in air conditioned room had better viability compared to ambient room and refrigerator.

THE PHYSIOLOGICAL AND NUTRITIONAL CONTENT CHANGES OF JELUTUNG (Dyera polyphylla (Miq.) Steenis) SEED THROUGH DRYING AND STORAGE

Seed deterioration is the process of deteriorated seed in view of viability that has changed its physiological and nutritional content. This paper studies the effect of seed drying and seed storage to the viability and biochemical content of jelutung (Dyera polyphylla (Miq.) Steenis) seeds. Completely Randomized Design was used for different level of seed drying time, i.e. 0, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours, and Completely Randomized Factorial Design was used for the combination of seed drying treatments of 0, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours in different rooms for seed storage (ambient room, air conditioned room, refrigerator) with variables of moisture content, germination percentage and nutritional content. Result shows that seed drying and seed storage treatments pursue the change of seed viability and nutritional content of jelutung seed. The period of time in seed drying and seed storage siginificantly influence the moisture content, germination percentage and nutritional composition (lipid, carbohydrate, protein). The longer time of seed drying will effect significantly to the moisture content and germination percentage, increasing the lipid and protein and decreasing carbohydrate. Jelutung seed that was stored in air conditioned room had better viability compared to ambient room and refrigerator.

Effect of smoking and sun drying on proximate composition of diplotaxodon fish species (ndunduma) from Lake Malawi, Malawi

Processed fish and fish products have high nutritional value, longer shelf life and fetch better prices on the market in contrast to freshly caught fish which are highly perishable. Processing, however, alters nutrient composition of a product underpinning the need for caution when consuming processed products. The study analyzed the effect of traditional smoking and sun drying on proximate composition (moisture, protein, fat and ash) of Diplotaxodon species locally known as Ndunduma. This is an important commercial cichlid species harvested across the entire Lake Malawi by both artisanal and commercial fishers. Fresh Diplotaxodon fish samples were collected from fishers’ boats in the southwestern part of Lake Malawi, Malawi immediately after catch early in the morning. The fish were washed then weighed and thereafter, smoked in a traditional smoking kiln and sun dried on reed mats. Determined percent moisture, protein, fat and ash content for smoked fish were: 12.22±0.05, 55.30±1.67, 25.31±2.78 and 12.96±0.72, respectively, while corresponding values for fish that were sun dried were: 24.28±0.14, 52.80±1.28, 22.36±0.26 and 13.81±0.14, respectively. Overall, results show reduced protein content in processed fish (smoked and sun dried) (P 0.05). Significantly low moisture content in smoked fish is indicative of a product with longer shelf life since moisture favours rapid microbial growth causing freshness quality deterioration. Although not significantly different, high fat (P>0.05) and ash (P<0.05) in smoked fish is consistent with a nutrient rich product. The study concludes that smoked Diplotaxodon species is more nutritious and may present better storage qualities than sun dried due to relatively low moisture. Caution should, nevertheless, be considered due to the high fat levels to prevent spoilage caused by breakdown of fats. Since smoked products are of high commercial value, fish processors should be encouraged to smoke fresh Diplotaxodon species other than sun drying. Key words : Diplotaxodon species, Ndunduma, processing, proximate composition, Lake Malawi

Finite Element Analysis of Simple Rectangular Microstrip Sensor for Determination Moisture Content of Hevea Rubber Latex

The Finite Element Method, FEM has been successfully used to model a simple rectangular microstrip sensor to determine the moisture content of Hevea rubber latex. The FEM simulation of sensor and samples was implemented by using COMSOL Multiphysics software. The simulation includes the calculation of magnitude and phase of reflection coefficient and was compared to analytical method. The results show a good agreement in finding the magnitude and phase of reflection coefficient when compared with analytical results. Field distributions of both the unloaded sensor as well as the sensor loaded with different percentages of moisture content were visualized using FEM in conjunction with COMSOL software. The higher the amount of moisture content in the sample the more the electric loops were observed.

Optimization of Hydropriming of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) Seeds Using Response Surface Methodology

This research study was envisaged to evaluate the effect of parameters, viz. initial germination percentage (IGP), soaking duration (SD), temperature, rotation speed (rpm) and air flow rate (AFR) for hydropriming of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) seeds. Three different seed lots based on their moisture content and germination percentage were chosen in this study. Moisture content and germination percentage of the selected lots varied from 11.33 to 16.89% (d.b.) and 50 to 80%, respectively. Accelerated ageing was performed at 40 ± 1 °C, 100% relative humidity to obtain required lots from available seed sample. Response surface methodology was adopted using a five factor three-level Box–Behnken design with soaking duration (4, 5 and 6 h), temperature (20, 25, 30 °C), rotation speed, (320, 340, 360 rpm), air flow rate, (2.192, 2.740, 3.288 m3/min) as the main process parameters. The effect of process affecting parameters was observed on responses, viz. moisture content, germination percentage, seedling length, seedling dry weight, vigour index-I, vigour index-II, electrical conductivity and radiography. Models were found to be significant for all the process responses with the optimal solution as 73% (IGP), 6 h (SD), 23 °C temperature, 330 (rpm) and 2.50 m3/min (AFR).