Raffia Bags Research Articles

Armazenamento e qualidade dos grãos de variedades crioulas de feijão-caupi em silo bolsa

ABSTRACT Storage is one of the main stages during grain production. The present study was conducted to evaluate the use of silo bags as an alternative for storing landrace cowpea grains. The experiment used samples of the Arigozinho, Manteiguinha, and Quarentão cowpea varieties from Cruzeiro do Sul - Acre, harvested in the 2021 crop season. The samples (500 g) were stored in raffia and silo bags for 30, 60, 90, and 120 days. The experimental design was completely randomized, arranged in a split-plot-in-time scheme (2 × 5) with four replicates. Storage conditions represented the plots: silo bags and raffia bags. The subplots comprised five storage conditions: 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 days for each landrace cowpea variety. The insect species identified in all varieties was Zabrotes subfasciatus, with infestation ranging from 49% to 98% in raffia bags and less than 10% in silo bags over 120 days. A depreciation in grain quality was observed during storage in raffia bags. There was increase in electrical conductivity, fluctuations in water content, and reductions in bulk density and germination due to the higher degree of infestation in all the investigated varieties. The grains stored in silo bags showed minimal variations over the 120 days, maintaining their initial quality throughout the storage period. The bag silo storage system is an effective alternative for controlling Z. subfasciatus and maintaining the grain quality of the varieties Arigozinho, Manteiguinha, and Quarentão for a period of up to 120 days.

Study on the Method of Household Waste Collection: Case Study

This article presents research on how household waste is collected. An online survey, with 348 participants, from the Romanian region of Bacau, was conducted from October 2018 to May 2019. The online questionnaire included a set of over 40 questions, some with the aim of identifying the nature of the people participating, but most of the questions being designed to determine the collection methods for household waste. The major goal of the current study, as previously stated, was to determine the primary way of collecting household garbage from the public, while also learning various details about the participants, including their residence location, gender, age, and level of education. Referring to the means used for collecting household waste, the following items were noted: trash cans, cardboard boxes, dumpsters, and raffia bags. As a result of the study carried out, the following conclusions were drawn: it was noticed that 70 percent of those who participated in the survey came from urban areas; a larger percentage of female respondents took part in the survey (128 from 348); the majority of respondents were aged 18–29 (182); 178 respondents had a higher education level; collection of household waste in garbage bags represented 62.9 percent of the total collection methods. Following statistical processing of the data, and an overview of the main ways in which household waste was collected, a number of connections were found between the characteristics of the respondents and their household waste collection. What is noteworthy is that the characteristics of the respondents could be grouped into cumulative factors that played an important role in household waste collection: the first group formed by level of education and location of the respondents, and the second group formed by age and gender of the respondents.

Real‐time equilibrium moisture content monitoring to predict grain quality of corn stored in silo and raffia bags

AbstractThe use of silo and raffia bags for the temporary grain storage has been increasing in recent years. However, the methods for monitoring a stored product are limited to visual inspections and sampling. Thus, this research aimed to real‐time equilibrium moisture content monitoring to predict grain quality of corn stored in different conditions in silo and raffia bags using wireless sensor network prototype, Internet of Things (IoT) platform, and neural network algorithms. Experiments were conducted using corn grain with two initial water contents of 13% and 18% (w.b.), three storage environments with temperatures of 30, 23, and 17°C, and two types of packaging, that is, silo and raffia bags, for a 3‐month storage evaluation. During the monitoring of stored grain, variations in equilibrium moisture hygroscopic content were observed, which inferred changes in the corn quality. Water contents of 13% under a storage condition of 17°C showed the highest quality results, whereas storage in silo bags with water contents of 13% and 18% showed no differences at 23°C; however, at a temperature of 30°C, the grain suffered a high level of deterioration. The storage time influenced the reduction of grain quality for all factors. The physicochemical quality prediction results indicated a high coefficient of determination of the trained models, presenting itself as a promising perspective, mainly in developing embedded technologies for monitoring and predicting the qualitative variables of grain stored in silo and raffia bags.Practical ApplicationsThe application of sensor technology and the Internet of Thing (IoT) to monitor the temperature and relative humidity of intergranular air in real time for the determination of equilibrium moisture content became possible to predict the physical and physicochemical quality of grains stored in bag silos and raffia bags using artificial neural networks (ANN) algorithms. The results obtained were satisfactory and can replace the punctual sampling of the grains mass stored in hermetic packages. The application of a set of technologies possible to monitor the grain quality in real time and predict the grain storage time in bag and raffia silos to reduce losses.

Soybean seed storage: Packaging technologies and conditions of storage environments

Artificial refrigeration is sufficient for maintaining the quality of soybean seeds in storage in processing plants, but when lots are distributed to rural producers, they are often kept in natural environments, without temperature or relative humidity control, which decreases their germination rates. This research aimed to evaluate different storage conditions and technological packaging for soybean seeds. The first stage evaluated the quality of soybean seeds stored at different temperatures for up to one year in raffia bags with or without polyethylene inner liners. The second stage evaluated the quality of soybean seeds stored in a natural atmosphere in raffia or laminated packaging, in a modified atmosphere with polyethylene packaging, in a refrigerated atmosphere with raffia or laminated packaging, or in a modified and refrigerated atmosphere with polyethylene packaging. An increase in storage time had a negative influence on the quality of the stored seeds. Storage temperature was the main influence in the reduction in seed physiological quality. Storage of soybean seeds in raffia packaging coated with polyethylene in a natural-temperature environment resulted in seeds retaining similar physical and physiological qualities to those stored under refrigeration. Raffia packaging coated with laminated material maintained the best physical and physiological quality of soybean seeds stored over time. Optimal packaging technology with laminated coating in “big bag” format has replaced the conditioning of storage environments with the maintenance of the quality of soybean seeds over time. The packaging technology is an excellent alternative for the soybean processing units.

Physiological quality and economic evaluation of treated cowpea seeds stored in different packaging

The objective of this work was to evaluate the physiological quality of cowpea seeds and the economic viability of storage in different types of packaging and with different chemical treatments. Seeds were submitted to one of the following chemical treatments of active ingredients: fipronil; fipronil + pyraclostrobin + thiophanate methyl; and fludioxonil + metalaxyl. Seeds without chemical treatment constituted the control. Seeds were placed in permeable cotton bags, permeable raffia bags, semipermeable kraft paper bags, and impermeable PET bottles. The following were evaluated: seed moisture content; germination test; first germination count; germination speed index; hypocotyl length; root length and hypocotyl dry mass and root dry mass. Cost analysis of treatments was also performed. The physiological quality of cowpea seeds was more markedly reduced under storage conditions in permeable packages with fludioxonil + metalaxyl treatment. Impermeable packaging without chemical treatment decreased deterioration of physiological quality in cowpea seeds and is economically viable for a storage period of up to 90 days.

Drying and storage of macaúba fruit: chemical and oxidative stability

The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical and oxidative stability of dried macaúba (Acrocomia totai) fruit in different air conditions and stored for up to 120 days. The macaúba fruits were collected, sanitized, dried at the temperatures of 40, 50, 60 and 70 °C and stored in raffia bags at room temperature. Drying at higher temperatures resulted in pulps with a darker and orangish color and pulp oil with lower titratable acidity contents and acidity indices. Throughout storage, there was an increase in the acidity index of pulp oil and a reduction in the ascorbic acid and carotenoid contents in the pulp. Drying and storage reduced the ascorbic acid and carotenoid contents of the pulp. Drying at lower temperatures results in pulps with a higher free-radical sequestering ability. Pulp oil quality was compromised by drying and storage time. Newly harvested macaúba fruits can be dried at 40, 50, 60 or 70 °C and stored for up to 120 days without compromising nut oil quality.

Management Practices of Peanuts Applied by Producers of Manhica and Magude Districts and Consumers of Five Markets of Maputo Municipalities and the Contribution of these Practices for the Exposure to Aflatoxins

The excessive humidity and high temperature favor peanuts to be contaminated with fungi producers of aflatoxins, which has adverse effects to the health of consumers. The aflatoxins can develop in any step of chain peanuts production when the management fails. The present study aimed to assess the practices of maneuverer of peanuts from the producing place of consumption and its influence to contamination by aflatoxins. It was a descriptive study held in Magude and Manhiça and five markets of Maputo, Mozambique. A questionnaire with semi-structured questions were used to collect data about the practices of producing, storage and consumption. In the two Districts the peanut is cultivated traditionally with weak technical assistance and in consortium with maize. The harvesting is manual and the dry is made naturally in the sun, in the field and at home. The storage is in raffia bags, traditional pest and insect control are implemented. The consumers know the integrity of the peanut and the signals of deterioration. The storage is made under room temperature or in the refrigerator, on both cases the storage period could be more than a month. Some consumers affirm to consume peanuts presenting wires with the appearance of spider webs which is evidence of fungi development and they are provably exposing themselves to aflatoxins. The practices and procedures of both producers and consumers favor the growing of fungi; the consumption of contaminated peanuts with fungi could be considered a strong exposure to aflatoxins consequently risks to health. With the find it can suspect the existence of consumer developing diseases in asymptomatic stage.

English

The study was undertaken to assess farmer’s practices in processing and marketing of crayfish in Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria. Ninety crayfish farmers systematically selected from two zones, four blocks and twelve circles formed sample for the study. An interview schedule was used to collect data while percentage, mean score and multiple regression were used in data analysis. Findings show that the majority (95.6%) of the respondents processed their crayfish by smoking, using fire wood (87.7%). On the average, they produced 12.52 bags (1bag=19 kg) of crayfish monthly and packaged/stored them in big cellophane (73.3%) and raffia (72.2%) bags. Greater proportion (81.1%) of the respondents sold their crayfish after processing to retailers (61.1%) at local markets (91.1%). They earned N169,000 (approximately 551 US Dollars) and made expenses worth N57,400 (approximately 187 US Dollars) monthly from crayfish business. Hence, their monthly profit was N111,600 (approximately 364 US Dollars). Eighty four percent of the respondents indicated dry season and specifically November (55.6%) as season and month of the highest sale of crayfish. Age (t= 2.372; p= 0.021) and quantity (bags) of crayfish processed in a month (t= 3.032; p= 0.003) were determinants of monthly income of the crayfish farmers. Inability to pay for labour during processing due to lack of cash (M=1.79) and having eye problem due to smoke from the open fire and backache due to prolonged bending down during smoking/processing of crayfish (M=1.78) were major challenges of the respondents in processing of crayfish. Unavailability of credit and competition from other crayfish marketers (M=1.62 each) were major challenges of the respondents in processing of crayfish. The study recommends that extension agents, researchers and business administrators should teach and boost the competencies of the farmers on modern ways of processing and marketing of agricultural products through government and non-government sponsored trainings and workshops. This will boost both quality of crayfish and agricultural products processed, marketed, consumed locally and possibly create opportunity for their exportation and more income. Key words: Farmers, processing, marketing, crayfish, Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria.

Hermetic storage with plastic sealing to reduce insect infestation and secure paddy seed quality: A powerful strategy for rice farmers in Mozambique

Rice is the world's most important staple food and the basis of the diet of the majority of the population. In small farm agriculture, the yields obtained in cereal production are usually low and losses, both in the field and during storage, are dramatically high, particularly in developing countries. In Mozambique, these aspects, together with an increased frequency of floods, are hindering advances in rice production. Aimed at contributing to the reduction of losses in stored rice, trials were carried out to compare the effectiveness of traditional raffia bags and of hermetic storage using single and double plastic bags concerning quantitative losses and seed quality, including germination potential, after three and six months of storage. Pest identification, insect populations estimates, percentage of weight loss, germination power and seedling vigor were evaluated. The results showed that, in descending order of density, Angoumois grain moth (Sitotroga cerealella Olivier), lesser grain borer (Rhyzopertha dominica F.), rice/maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais Mostch. and Sitophilus oryzae L.) and red flour beetle [Tribolium castaneum (Herbst)] were the main insects infesting the rice. When compared to hermetic storage with both single and duplicate airtight bags, traditional storage presented statistically significant higher mean infestation density (30.63–53.94 individuals/kg in traditional and 0.71–3.50 individuals/kg in hermetic storage) and percentage of weight loss (3.03–3.44% in traditional contrasting with 0.27–0.47% in hermetic conditions). In traditional storage a significant 38.25% drop in the germination potential was also observed, attaining values below the established minimum tolerated in Mozambique (80%), while under hermetic storage, that reduction remained within the acceptable values of 13.9–17.5%. The distinct storage methods did not produce significant differences on the moisture content of the grain. These results demonstrate that the use of hermetic storage has resulted in a safe, pesticide-free, and sustainable storage method, suitable for rice seeds, with advantages over traditional bagging. The results presented here lead to propose hermetic storage to be adopted by paddy small farmers, in order to lever food security and income generation in the country.

Equação de viabilidade para determinar a longevidade de sementes de trigo sob condições diferenciadas em armazenamento convencional

O objetivo deste trabalho foi aplicar a equação simplificada de viabilidade desenvolvida por Andreoli (1998) para predizer a longevidade de sementes de trigo das cultivares BRS 210, BRS 208, CD 104, IAPAR 78 e IPR 85, em condições de armazenamento convencional, nos municípios de Mauá da Serra e Londrina, PR. A equação simplificada é dada pelo modelo, Vp = Vi - (tgbeta).p, em que Vp é a viabilidade em ‘probit’ no período p, Vi é a germinação inicial do lote, e tgbeta é a taxa de deterioração da semente para cada cultivar. Os lotes de sementes escolhidos ao acaso foram divididos em quatro partes, embalados em sacaria de polipropileno trançado e armazenados por 300 dias em armazéns convencionais nos dois municípios. Os dados de germinação foram transformados em ‘probit’ e a declividade da reta (tgbeta) foi calculada entre 0 e 30 dias. As taxas de deterioração variaram de 0,4 x 10-3 a 1,3 x 10-3, sendo que nas condições de Londrina as taxas foram maiores, indicando que a germinação da semente declinou mais rapidamente do que em Mauá da Serra. O modelo prediz com acurácia a longevidade das sementes de trigo, independente do genótipo, em armazém convencional. A germinação inicial das sementes (V1) não afetou a taxa de deterioração.

Estimativa das frações dos carboidratos, da casca e polpa desidratada de café (Coffea arabica L.) armazenadas em diferentes períodos

O objetivo do experimento foi estimar as frações A, B1, B2 e C dos carboidratos da casca e da polpa desidratada das cultivares de café Catuaí, Rubi e Mundo Novo. A polpa foi obtida pela despolpa úmida em despolpador mecânico e, em seguida, seca ao sol até 13% de umidade. Os materiais foram armazenados em sacos de ráfia em ambiente coberto, ventilado e seco, com amostragem em triplicata a cada 90 dias. As frações foram determinadas conforme descrito no modelo do CNCPS. Houve acréscimo no teor das frações A e B1 e redução nas frações B2 e C, à medida que se aumentou o tempo de armazenamento. A cultivar Catuaí, apresentou maior valor para a fração A, comparada a Rubi e Mundo Novo. Essa diferença chegou a 28%, em relação a Mundo Novo. A fração B1 foi maior nas cultivares Catuaí e Rubi, comparada a Mundo Novo. A cultivar Mundo Novo apresentou maior valor para a fração B2 comparada às cultivares Catuaí e Rubi. Não foi encontrada diferença significativa entre as cultivares na fração C. A casca de café apresentou maior valor para as frações A e B1 e menor para a fração B2 comparada à polpa desidratada, ao passo que a fração C foi maior na polpa em comparação à casca de café. O armazenamento por doze meses alterou a proporção dos carboidratos, reduzindo as frações de degradabilidade lenta e não degradável, em detrimento da fração de degradabilidade rápida. A casca e polpa são materiais com alta proporção de carboidratos indisponíveis, o que pode limitar a sua utilização em grandes quantidades para os ruminantes.

Obasinjom among the Ejagham

n part one of this paper (vol. 18, no. 1, 1984) I discussed four types of medicines (njom) among the Ejagham of the Cross River region of western Cameroon, specifically those found in the town of Kembong. These medicines-that is, the powers found in certain magical plants that have been given by God and the ancestors to fight witches and criminals-are localized in specific objects: carved figures, lumps of clay, horns, or raffia bags. In the case of the fifth medicine, Obasinjomn, whose origin and characteristics I will discuss here, the object is a mask. Following the rebellion of the Ejagham and neighboring peoples in 1904, the German colonial administration ordered the resettlement of the population into larger villages. This period was marked by an abundance of witches. So many people were killed by witches and their preferred animal form, leopards, that when word reached the people of Upper Kembong of Obasinjom's power, they resolved to acquire the medicine for themselves.'