Sealed Polyethylene Research Articles

Postharvest Characterization and Storage of Fresh Katmon Fruit (Dillenia philippinensis)

Katmon fruit has great economic potential but little is known about its postharvest behavior. This study characterized the katmon fruit after harvest so that appropriate handling may be recommended to extend its shelf life during storage or market display. Physicochemical characteristics, particularly firmness, pH, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acids (TA), and TSS:TA ratio were evaluated during storage under room condition (22°C) and at low temperature (15°C). These characteristics were almost constant under 22°C or at 15°C for two weeks, with pH at 2.8, TSS at about 3.40°Brix, TA at 1.1 – 1.5%, and TSS:TA ratio at 3.1 – 2.04. Only moisture loss significantly increased, reaching 29% after the first week, which reduced the fruit’s shelf life and quality. Fruit in small quantities (1.5 kg) favorably responded to modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) using sealed polyethylene bags (PEB, 0.02 mm). About 15% O2 and 0.45% CO2 were maintained in PEB, which extended the fruit’s fresh quality up to two weeks under 22°C. MAP was also able to maintain the firmness of intact fruits for two weeks when stored at 22°C. In contrast, control fruits reached their limit of marketability after one week. Those without peel may also be kept for about two weeks when packed in PEB (300g per pack), especially if stored at 15°C.

Effect of Storage on the Antioxidant, Color and Sensory Properties of Local Bread

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of storage on antioxidant, color and sensory properties of bread, containing sourdough and potato puree, baked in stone oven in Afyonkarahisar which is city of Turkey. Sourdough was used as yeast for the production of bread. Potato puree was added to the formulation at the ratio of 30%. Breads were stored in sealed polyethylene bag at room temperature (20°C) for 1, 5 and 10 days. Bread characterization, color, β-carotene, phenolics, minerals were analyzed and a sensory evaluation was performed. Decrease in bread mass, height, width, crust thickness, total volume and specific volume were observed. β-carotene and phenolic compounds quantity of breads decreased with increasing of storage time. Storage caused a change in the crumb color of breads. Storage statistically didn’t affect the crust color values of breads. According to the panelist scores, it can be concluded that all breads stored 1, 5 and 10 days had a desired crust color, crumb texture, porosity, aroma and overall acceptance.

Potential of a Charcoal Evaporative Cooling Chamber for Extending the Shelf Life of Vegetables


 
 
 There are wide varieties of vegetables in Sri Lanka. The ambient temperature and relative humidity have an impact on rate of vegetables deteriorate. Evaporative cooling is a well-known, cost- effective way to reduce postharvest lost in order to lower the temperature and increase the relative humidity. This research was done to create a charcoal cooling chamber for increase the shelf life of vegetables combining polythene packaging and active packaging additives. The study was carried out in wet zone, Sri Lanka with a sizable chamber made of coconut shell charcoal. A rectangular box made of chicken wire with a 1 m3 capacity serves as the evaporative cooling chamber. It made of chicken wire mesh with a hardwood frame. The walls filled with 50 mm thick coconut shell charcoal and a water outflow 8.33 ml/min for wetting the walls. Vegetable samples without any treatment were placed in the charcoal chamber along with vegetables wrapped in sealed polyethylene (gauge 300) with and without active packing components. With a control sample held in ambient settings, the treatments were put to the test four times over the course of nine days. Both unloading and loading situations were used to evaluate the performance of chamber. Temperature drops of 4° C on average and 2.07° C on average, respectively, were seen in dry and wet climate conditions. 92.49% on average was the cooling efficiency. Sealed polyethylene bags without active packaging components were found to be the best treatment when taking into account physiological weight loss and sensory tests. When compared to the control group on days 3, 6 and 9 physiological weight loss was considerably (P<0.05) less in the sealed polyethylene bags without active packing components. When compared to the control sample total soluble solid content less in sealed polythene bag. The sensory evaluation for the treatments inside the chamber was more acceptable than for the control. Vegetables can store fresh for up to three days in evaporative cooling chamber without packaging. These chambers can install vegetable stalls on the side of the roads in Sri Lanka for temporary purposes.
 Keywords: Charcoal, Evaporation, Shelf-life, Temperature, Vegetables
 
 

Influence of Ultrasound Tempering on Flour Quality of White and Sumac Sorghum Milled on a Roller Mill

HighlightsDeveloped roller milling procedure produced high-quality white and sumac sorghum flours.Ultrasound tempering significantly improved the milling yield and flour quality of white and sumac sorghum.One-min ultrasound treatment resulted in flour with the lowest bran contamination for both sorghum varieties.Ultrasound tempering can be instrumental in producing flours with unique properties for diverse baking applications.Abstract. Sorghum, a nutritious and gluten-free cereal crop, is currently underutilized. The absence of standardized milling technology contributes to the low utilization of sorghum in food. Most existing milling methods adopted from other crops yield inferior flour quality with excessive endosperm loss. However, implementing appropriate tempering techniques prior to roller milling can enhance flour characteristics and yields. In this study, a roller milling technology was developed using a laboratory-scale roller mill to produce high-quality sorghum flour suitable for gluten-free applications. Ultrasound treatments were conducted using a probe-type ultrasound device with a frequency of 20 kHz and a power level of 600 W. The kernels were soaked in water (1:1 w/v) and subjected to ultrasound treatment set at 75% amplitude for 1, 1.5, and 2 min. After treatment, the kernels were drained, surface dried, and tempered for 24 h in sealed polythene bags to achieve a target moisture level of 17%. The effect of UST on milling and flour characteristics of a non-tannin white and red-tannin sorghum was investigated. The results were compared to sorghum milled using a standard tempering process (17% moisture). Ultrasound tempering (UST) significantly impacted milling and flour quality in terms of milling yield, particle size, damaged starch, and ash content. UST resulted in a significant reduction in the hardness index of both the white sorghum (72.6–73.6 from 79.02 (control)) and the red-tannin sumac sorghum (76.2–78.29 from 84.5 (control)). Notably, the milling yield of the white sorghum showed a significant increase with treatment durations, from 73.3% (control) to 76.6%–78.2%. The red-tannin sumac sorghum milled using the 1 min UST resulted in a higher bran yield (5.8%) compared to the standard tempering method (1.7%), indicating an improvement in milling efficiency. The 1 min UST resulted in efficient bran separation and improved ash contents for both the white (0.87%) and red-tannin sumac (0.69%) sorghum, as compared to their respective controls (1.05% and 1.4%). The principal component analysis clearly defined the inter-relationship among the treatment groups and analyzed parameters for both kernel and flour properties. Overall, the developed milling flowsheet was suitable for both the white and red-tannin sumac varieties, regardless of their differences in physical properties, and the use of UST has significantly improved the flour quality of both samples. Keywords: Flour properties, Roller milling, Sorghum, Tempering, Ultrasound.

Evaluation of Moisture Content and Sensory Properties of Colored and Non-Colored Fish (Silver Carp, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) Noodles during Storage

The study was done to evaluate moisture content and sensory properties of colored and non-colored noodles incorporated with different amount of fish (Silver carp, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) mince during storage at room temperature (30-35○C) in two types of packaging conditions (sealed polyethylene packet and vacuum sealed packet). In addition, proximate composition, cooking time, and water absorption capacity were also investigated at initial stage. Boiled fish mince was incorporated with wheat flour and spices to prepare eight different samples namely CN (without fish mince, colorless), CC (without fish mince, colored), S1N (25% fish mince, colorless), S1C (25% fish mince, colored) S2N (30% fish mince, colorless), S2C (30% fish mince, colored) and S3N (35% fish mince, colorless) and S3C (35% fish mince, colored). No significant change in the moisture content of colored and non-colored fish noodles was found but moisture, protein, and fat content rose significantly with the increment of added amount of fish mince in the noodles. A significant decreasing trend was observed in the moisture content of the samples stored in sealed polyethylene packets during the 305 days of storage period whereas the moisture content of all the samples packed in vacuum sealed packets witnessed a non-significant change for the storage of 360 days. The color, flavor and texture of the products were acceptable up to 305 days in sealed polyethylene packets and 360 days in vacuum sealed packets. Food color had no remarkable effect on proximate composition, cooking time, water absorption capacity, and sensory characteristics of prepared noodles. Colorless noodles containing 35% fish mince was preferred by the panelists. So, both colored and non-colored fish noodles prepared with fish mince (up to 35%) can be stored at room temperature (30-35○C) in both sealed polyethylene packets and vacuum sealed packets for at least 10 months with acceptable moisture content and sensory properties. Vacuum sealed packaging provided the products with better protection against moisture loss throughout the storage period.

Impact of sample storage type on adventitious carbon and native oxide growth: X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy study

The type and degree of contamination on surfaces intended for X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies is considered decisive for meaningful and reliable analysis as in many cases in-situ cleaning methods are not applicable or otherwise undesired. We report on the effects of sample storage environment on predominantly carbon- and oxygen-containing species accumulating on the surfaces of fourteen types of thin film samples spanning group IVB-VIB transition metals (TMs), TM nitrides, and TM diborides. All specimens were deposited by magnetron sputtering and stored for six months in different common sample storage environments such as openly on a shelf in the office or XPS lab, or within a polypropylene wafer carrier, polystyrene box, cellulose/polyester wipers or sealed polyethylene bag. Self-consistent modelling of C 1s, O 1s, B 1s, N 1s, and metal core level spectra allowed to identify the types and quantities of surface contaminants, metal oxidation states, and thicknesses of native oxides, as well as to address influence from storage ambient type and volume, direct sample contact to other surfaces, or material release from containers. The results reveal significant differences between the various storage types and, hence, provide guidance for all sorts of studies including even those that employ Ar+ ion etch prior to analyses, as also in such cases the amount and type of surface contaminants may impact the outcome.

Effects of Storage Period and Moisture Content on Vacuum-Sealed Cassava Mash

High-quality cassava flour and starch processing are hindered by distance between farms and flash dryers and the deterioration of cassava root after 24 hours of harvest. A vacuum sealer was used to investigate the effect of storage parameters on vacuum sealed cassava mash. The input variables were 5 levels of storage period and 3 levels of moisture contents. The output parameters were pH, total titratable acid, free cyanide and total cyanide. The Analysis of Variance revealed that both factors and their interaction were significant at 5% significance level. The vacuum sealed cassava mash was stored for 10 weeks and it was found that between 0 – 4 weeks there were no marked variation in the properties of pH, total titratable acid, free cyanide and total cyanide. It was observed that after the fourth week of storage pH increased as the moisture content and storage period increased. However, the total titratable acid, free cyanide and total cyanide decreased as the moisture content and storage period increased. This study revealed that cassava root could be harvested, processed into mash within 12 hours and stored in a vacuum sealed polythene bag and its quality will still be intact within four weeks. Hence, vacuum sealed cassava mash has a shelf-life of four weeks under ambient conditions.

First Report of Stem Dieback Caused by Lasiodiplodia parva on Styphnolobium japonicum in China.

Styphnolobium japonicum (L.) Schott is a variant of Robinia pseudoacacia and is a popular Asian tree widely used in traditional medicine. From March 2019 to 2021, a disease was found on the campus of Nanjing Forestry University and several landscape sites of Xuanwuhu Park, causing dieback. Most of the trees (approximately 40%) have rotted branches. On average, 60% of the branches per individual tree were affected by this disease. The initial round lesions were grayish brown. In the later stage, the whole branch becomes black and produces spherical fruiting bodies . Twenty diseased branches were picked from three random trees. Small tissues (3-4mm²) were surface-sterilized in 75% ethanol for 30 s followed by 1% NaClO for 90 s and placed on potato dextrose agar (PDA), and incubated in the dark at 25°C for three days. Hyphae were visibly emerged from 70% of the samples. Three representative isolates (Lth-soj1, Lth-soj2, and Lth-soj3) were obtained and deposited in China’s Forestry Culture Collection Center (Lth-soj1: cfcc55896, Lth-soj2: cfcc55897, Lth-soj3: cfcc55898). The colonies of three isolates on PDA were fast growing and white, which turned grey to dark grey after 3 days of incubation in the dark at 28°C . Two-weeks old colonies were black and fluffy on PDA, with abundant aerial mycelium, and the reverse side too was black in color. The fungus usually grew well on PDA and produced pycnidia and conidia within 3–4 weeks. Conidia were initially hyaline and aseptate, ellipsoid to ovoid, with granular content, apex broadly rounded, remaining hyaline and later becoming dark brown, one septate, thick walled, base truncate or round and longitudinally striate. The conidia (n=30) of a representative isolate（Lth-soj1）, measured 24.3 ± 0.3 μm in length and 13.3 ± 0.5 μm in width . The morphological characters of the three isolates matched those of Lasiodiplodia parva(Alves et al. 2008). For accurate identification, the DNA of the three isolates was extracted. The internal transcribed spacer region (ITS), translation elongation factor (EF1-α), and β-tubulin 2 (TUB2) genes were amplified using the primer pairs ITS1/ITS4 , EF1-728F/EF1-986R, and Bt2a/Bt2b , respectively. The sequences were deposited in GenBank under accession numbers MZ613154, MZ643245 and MZ643242 for Lth-soj1, MZ613155, MZ643246 and MZ643244 for Lth-soj2, and MZ613157, MZ643247 and MZ643243 for Lth-soj3. The ITS, EF1-α, and TUB2 sequences of isolate Lth-soj1 (GenBank Acc. No. MZ613154, MZ643245, MZ643242) were 100% (519/519 nt), 99.34% (299/301 nt), and 99.77% (436/437 nt) identical to those of MZ182360, EF622063, and MK294119, respectively. Interspecific differences were observed in a maximum-likelihood tree of Lasiodiplodia species using the concatenated dataset. Based on the morphological and molecular evidence, the isolates were identified as L. parva. The pathogenicity of three isolates were tested on potted three-year-old seedlings (100-cm tall) of S. japonicum maintained in a greenhouse. Healthy stems were wounded with a sterile needle then inoculated with 10 µL of conidial suspension. Control plants were treated with ddH2O. In total, 12 seedlings were inoculated including three controls. Three seedlings per isolate and 10 stems per seedling were used for each treatment. The plants were kept inside sealed polythene bags for the first 24 h and sterilized H2O was sprayed into the bags twice a day to maintain humidity and kept in a greenhouse at the day/night temperatures at 25/16°C. Within seven days, all the inoculated points showed lesions similar to those observed in field and the conidiomatas growing on the surface of the branches, whereas controls were asymptomatic . The infection rate of each of the three isolates was 100%. The strain was re-isolated from the lesions and sequenced as L.parva, whereas not from control stems. This is the first report of L. parva causing rotten branches of S. japonicum in China and the worldwide. These data will help to develop effective strategies for managing this newly emerging disease.

A Method for WWTP Sludge Valorization through Hygienization by Electron Beam Treatment

This work reports on municipal sludge hygienization using electron beams. Three types of sewage sludge from two municipal wastewater treatment plants were tested: preliminary sludge with 4% TS, postflotation sludge with 2.5% TS and thickened preliminary sludge with 10% TS. The analysis of reference samples demonstrated the presence of bacteria and helminths ova in all examined samples. For the study of hygienization, electron beams from two types of accelerators, linear (Elektronika 10/10) and single cavity (ILU-6), were applied. For each type of accelerator, different irradiation methods were used: irradiation in sealed polyethylene bags using conveyor and flow irradiation installation. Experiments showed that the doses necessary for the elimination of mentioned pathogens were 4 kGy for preliminary sludge, 4 kGy for postflotation sludge and 5.5 kGy for preliminary sludge. The differences between the amounts of initial pathogens in preliminary and thickened preliminary sludge were marginal. It is possible that the higher irradiation dose required to hygienize thickened sludge resulted from higher TS concentration.

Thermally Induced Reversible Metal-to-Metal Charge Transfer in Mixed-Valence {Fe III 4 Fe II 4 } Cubes

Thermally Induced Reversible Metal-to-Metal Charge Transfer in Mixed-Valence {Fe ^III ₄ Fe ^II ₄ } Cubes

Effects of pre-storage ascorbic and salicylic acids treatments on the enzymatic browning and nutritional quality of dried fig: Combined use of biochemical and ATR-FTIR analyses

The effect of ascorbic acid (AA) and salicylic acid (SA) used separately at the following concentrations 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 %, on enzymatic browning and quality of “Nabout’’ dried fig during 6 weeks-storage at 4 °C within sealed polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bags, was investigated. The results showed that AA and SA at higher concentrations, particularly at 0.3 %, lowered the browning index compared to the control by 55 and 54 % respectively. The same dose suppressed samples polyphenoloxidase (PPO) to 75 and 80 %, respectively, compared to other concentrations. Both treatments showed a significant impact (p < 0.05) on dried figs quality by lowering the total phenols and antioxidant capacity loss during storage period. This trend was significantly important when the concentration applied was maximum (0.3 %). The same pattern was observed using Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) technique, that showed a decreasing absorbance and integrated intensity around the vibration region of 1175−940 cm−1. This tendency was also depressed with the increase of anti-browning agents’ concentration. High concentrations of AA (0.3 %) and SA (0.3 %), separately, minimized the overlapping in this region, showing high integrated intensities compared to other concentrations. In conclusion, the pre-storage application either of AA or SA at 0.3 % on dried figs could be appropriate to delay enzymatic browning and quality loss and therefore to extend their shelf-life.

Effect of curing method on unconfined compressive strength of silty sand treated with Bacillus Megaterium

Laboratory tests were carried out to evaluate the effect of curing method on the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of silty sand treated with Bacillus megaterium. (B. megaterium) using the Microbial Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP) technique. Compaction test was conducted using the British Standard light (BSL) energy. UCS tests were performed on two sets of specimens treated with varying B. megaterium suspension densities and cementation reagent using trial mix ratio of 50% B. megaterium (B) and 50 % cementation reagent (C) (i.e., 50B-50C) for the treated specimen and 100 % cementation reagent (C) (i.e., 100C) for the control specimen. One set of specimens extruded from compaction mould was air-cured at room temperature for 24 hours, while the second set of specimens were placed in sealed polythene bags immediately after extrusion from the moulds. The results obtained show that the peak UCS values of the air-cured specimens and the sealed specimens are 448.8 kN/m2 and 19.8 kN/m2, respectively, for treatment with B. megaterium suspension density of 6.0 x 108 cells/ml. The study shows that the UCS of silty sand treated with B. megaterium is sensitive to curing method.

Combined modified atmosphere packaging and guar gum edible coatings to preserve blackberry (Rubus glaucus Benth).

Blackberry fruits are fresh products with wide market possibilities but of very limited shelf life (3-6 days). To develop preservation alternatives, the effect and interaction of a modified atmosphere packaging and an edible coating based on guar gum were determined on the shelf life and quality properties of blackberry cv. Castilla stored at 5 ℃. Three types of packaging were evaluated: (1) perforated polyethylene terephthalate clamshells, (2) sealed polyethylene terephthalate clamshells, and (3) sealed polyethylene terephthalate clamshells with a polylactic acid film on top. In turn, two types of coating were evaluated: coatings of guar gum solutions at (1) 0.3% and (2) 0.4% in water. During storage, an index of deterioration and different quality properties were evaluated. In the polyethylene terephthalate packages with polylactic acid, an equilibrium modified atmosphere packaging was formed. Weight loss was much lower for the sealed polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene terephthalate + polylactic acid (<2%) compared to fruits in perforated clamshells, with no significant differences between these two types of packaging. It was possible to observe the treatment with an edible coating of 0.3% gum guar and perforated clamshells (guar gum 0.3/N) presented the lowest deterioration rate and preserve the fruit longer time (13 days) although with a high weight loss (23.23%) while the treatment with polyethylene terephthalate and polylactic acid film + edible coating of gum guar (guar gum 03/polylactic acid) kept the samples during 12 days with a lower weight loss (1.75%). This latter combination of equilibrium modified atmosphere packaging with a biodegradable film and the guar gum edible coating can be an interesting treatment from a commercial point of view.

Elementals Pollution Status of a University Dumpsite Soil in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

This study explored the concentrations of various elements in Obafemi Awolowo University dumpsite using Inductively Couple Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy. A total of fifty soil samples were collected each month for a duration of eight months. Each month, five soil samples each were randomly collected from different spot at 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm depths from each of the four equidistant circular points and at the centre of the dumpsite in well pre-treated sealed polythene bags. The values obtained revealed that Fe, Mn, Ti, Ba and Al were below the background values while Ni, Co, Zn, Cu, Be, Al, Se, Si, As, Zr and Y were above the background values. Geo-accumulation study indicated that the dumpsite was practically unpolluted with, Fe, Mn, Ni, Ti, Ba, Al, Si , U and Y; highly polluted with As and Cu; Co, Zn and Zr ranged from unpolluted to moderately polluted; Se ranged from unpolluted to highly polluted; while Be ranged from moderately polluted to highly polluted. Mean levels of the potentially toxic metals in the dumpsite and its vicinity were higher in the top soil than sub-soil; and metal concentrations in wet season were higher than dry season.

Physiological quality of stored soybeans (Glycine max L.)

Objective: to evaluate the physiological quality of 11 soybean (Glycine max L.) varieties stored under natural conditions in the state of Yucatán, Mexico.Design/Methodology/Approach: seeds of 11 soybean varieties were stored for 11 months in sealed polythene bags. At the start of storage, the seeds were evaluated for germination, electrical conductivity, and 100 seeds were weighed. From months 3 to 11, the germination and electrical conductivity of each sample were assessed monthly. The initial and final weights of 100 seeds were obtained. The data obtained were analyzed in a completely randomized scheme with factorial arrangement.Results: differences were observed (p?0.05) in storage tolerance between the varieties, however, the loss of physiological quality was noticeable beginning at the third month of storage. The Tamesi and H-100 varieties showed the seed’s greatest loss in germination and weight, and the highest value of electrical conductivity.Limitations/Implications: soybeans are produced in the Yucatán Peninsula, but limitations to conserving the seeds are high temperatures and relative humidity which can be common in the state.Conclusions: soybeans exhibit problems in maintaining their physiological quality in storage under natural conditions, and these problems are also reflected in the loss of seed weight.

Storage and hydro-priming treatments to improve the seed quality of two traditional rice varieties; Batapola-el and Suwendal, from Sri Lanka

Although the demand for traditional rice varieties has increased, low initial germination and poor storability of these varieties impede its popularization. Thus, the aim of the study was to improve the seed quality using priming treatments and to suggest an effective storage practice of two of the traditional rice varieties; Suwendal and Batapola-el, in Sri Lanka. Seeds were subjected to hydro-priming under various time periods (0, 24, 48 and 72 hours). Seeds were stored in gunny, polysac and polythene bags at room temperature, 25 and 8 °C. Seed quality of primed and stored seeds was evaluated using seed germination, seed vigour (seedling growth and conductivity) and seedling emergence. Hydro-priming for 72 hours has increased the seed germination of the two varieties significantly compared to other priming methods. Further, seeds primed for 72 hours had the highest vigour and highest seedling emergence in both varieties. Storing Suwendal and Batapola-el seeds in polythene bags at 8 °C retained the highest viability and highest vigour for more than six months. Thus, hydro-priming for 72 hours could be recommended to enhancethe seed quality of these two tested varieties and storage at 8 °C in sealed polythene bags could be recommended as an effective storage practice to maintain the seed viability till the next sowing season.

Storage effect on the moisture content (%) and sensory quality parameters of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) fish noodles and consumers’preference to it

Development of different fish products using boneless muscle is popular in this subcontinent. The present study was conducted to assess the changes in percent moisture content and sensory quality parameters of noodles prepared with silver carp mince along with wheat flour and to study the consumer’s preference to the fish noodles. Silver carp fish mince and other ingredients were incorporated with wheat flour in substitution levels of 0, 20, 25 and 30%. The prepared noodles were oven dried, cooled and stored in polythene and vacuum sealed packs during storage at ambient temperature (30 to 35 °C) for 6 months. During this storage period no remarkable change could be observed in the color, flavor, texture and taste of the noodle samples accept the moisture content of the samples. The percent moisture content of noodle samples slightly increased (i.e., percent moisture content increased from 6.37 to 12.38 in sealed polythene pack after 90 days of storage and to 10.02 in vacuum sealed pack after 180 days of storage in control noodle sample whereas in sample with 30% substitution level of fish mince the value increased from 11.94 to 13.44 in sealed polythene pack and to 12.88 in vacuum sealed pack after 90 days and 180 days of storage, respectively) with the lapse storage period. No mold growth could be found on noodle samples. Fish noodles prepared with 25% silver carp mince had the highest score 7.9 (out of 9) for taste though scores for the color (7.9), flavor (7.8), texture (8.1) and overall acceptability (8.4) were higher for the noodles prepared with 30% silver carp mince. Therefore, the study could be concluded as- fish noodles can be stored at room temperature for about 6 months in polythene pack and vacuum sealed packs without any major deterioration in sensory quality parameters accept little increase in moisture.

Comparative Evaluation of Six Different Storage Materials for Long-Term Preservation of Huckleberry (Solanum scabrum) Seeds

Smallholder farmers in Cameroon often store seeds from their own-harvest for use in subsequent planting seasons, but they have limited information on appropriate materials for long-term storage of vegetable seeds. Hence, six different materials (sealed aluminium foil sachet, sealed glass bottle, closed plastic cup, sealed paper sachet, sealed polythene sachet, and open-and-seal glass bottle) were evaluated for their effectiveness as storage materials for huckleberry seeds. Factorial ANOVA revealed significant (P &lt; 0.001) effect of the different types of storage materials, duration of seed storage, and their interactions on laboratory germination, field emergence, and percentage transplantable see dlings. Significant (P &lt; 0.05) variations were observed for laboratory seed germination and field emergence from months 2–5 of preservation across the different storage materials, with the highest performance exhibited by sealed aluminium foil sachet, while glass material exhibited the lowest performance. These performances decreased significantly (P &lt; 0.05) for each storage material across months of long-term storage, with the lowest decrease recorded in sealed aluminium foil sachet and highest decrease recorded in glass bottle storage materials. Percentage transplantable seedlings decreased significantly (P &lt; 0.05) from month 0–5 for each storage material, with lowest decrease in sealed aluminium foil sachet and highest decrease in open-and-seal glass bottle. Overall, these results demonstrate that sealed aluminium foil sachet is the most effective storage material for long-term preservation of huckleberry seeds under ambient conditions of the study area, which can be adopted by farmers.

Comparative analyses on the chemical compostion, phytochemcimal and antioxidant properties of selected milled varieties (finger and pearl millet)

Purpose: Millet is a major food source in the arid and semi-arid parts of the world especially among people with low socio-economic status. It is a good source of energy, protein, minerals, dietary Fibre, fatty acid, amino acid (especially sulphur containing amino acid), phytochemicals and a good source of antioxidant.&#x0D; Methods: The millet varieties were obtained from the central market in Katsina state, Nigeria. The millet varieties (finger and pearl millet) were cleaned by washing in water, de-watered, sun dried, milled into flour and stored in sealed polythene bags. Standard method were used to determine the phytochemical, atomic absorption spectrometer, amino acid profile was determined spectrometically using a gas chromatography (GC), antioxidant property was measured by determination of free radical scavenging ability (DPPH,FRAP and ABTS) and data was analyzed by one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SPSS (16.0) software. The result obtained from studied millet varieties showed the fatty acid profile contain more than 70% unsaturated fatty acid. Amino acid profile showed the presence of essential amino acid of nutritional importance (especially the sulphur containing amino acids). &#x0D; Results: The results obtained from the studied millet varieties showed a protein content level within the range of (10.09%-10.85%), fat content level between the range (2.76%-4.43%), carbohydrate, fat and ash content between the range (71.56% - 73.18%), (2.23% - 3.24%) and (0.86% - 1.94%) respectively. The mineral composition showed it contained mineral elements of health importance, such as; phosphorus, calcium, potassium, sodium and magnesium as well as other minor elements such as copper, manganese, zinc and iron. Phytochemical analyses showed the presence of plant chemical such as; tannin, terpenoid, alkaloid, cardiac glycoside, saponin, oxalate, phytate, flavonoids and total phenol. Antioxidant analyses showed they possess ability to serve as reducing agent hence a rich source of antioxidant of health importance.&#x0D; Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study revealed a high nutritional quality and possible therapeutic effect of the studied millet varieties which are locally sourced and relatively cheaper source of food for a teeming population like ours.

Assessment of natural radionuclides in a fertilized farmland in Abeokuta, Nigeria: Implications for environmental radioactivity evaluation and monitoring

In this study, the concentrations of radionuclides were determined for soil samples obtained from a fertilized farm soils in Abeokuta, southwestern Nigeria. On the average, seven soil samples were obtained and keptin a sealed polythene bags. Then later dried and pulverized. Two hundred grams of each of the pulverized samples was held in a standard plastic container and left for about thirty days to allow for secular equilibrium between radium and its progenies. Radionuclides activity concentrations within the collected samples were measured using a calibrated NaI-based gamma-ray spectrometer. The detected natural radioactivity of soil samples are presented and radiological attributes for effective radiological hazards detection and monitoringfor the study location are equally estimated. The results revealed that the specific activity for K-40 radionuclides at location L7 is higher than the world average concentration of 420 Bq/kg. This is not unconnected to the fertilizer within that portion of the farm. However, the estimated radiological attributes in the farmland are relatively lower that the threshold standards, which implies that the soils in the farmland are free of any radiation hazards and pose no threat to farmers and the residents of that area. It is however recommended that organic manure should be used in the farmland rather than fertilizer and routine check on environmental radioactivity of the farmland should be done regularly for adequate monitoring.