Application of Pretreatments on Banana Slices for Improving Drying Characteristics

The banana slices were subjected to pretreatment solutions for improving drying, physico-chemical and sensory characteristics.  The pretreatments were applied with four different solutions including ascorbic acid, lemon juice, sodium chloride and honey. The banana slices were cut into 5 mm and 7 mm in size, about 120 g banana slice samples were dip in each pretreatment solution for ten min. The banana slice samples were dehydrated in dehydration chamber and dried at temperatures of 60 °C for 12 to 16 hrs. Each sample was observed for physico chemical characteristics such as pH, TSS, vitamin C, total sugar and ash % and sensory analysis of their color, aroma, taste, texture and overall acceptability were observed. The results obtained showed that the banana slices treated with ascorbic acid and honey solution has the highest value of vitamin C. The results obtained for sensory analysis showed the significant difference in aroma, taste, texture and overall acceptability scores recorded for the samples pretreated with honey solutions for ten min. It is concluded from the present study that pretreatment solutions have important role in determining the final quality characteristics of dried banana slices and it has great potential application in food industries. Keywords: Banana; slices; pretreatment; ascorbic acid, honey, drying characteristics; sensory evaluation. DOI: 10.7176/FSQM/103-06 Publication date: December 31st 202

Comparison of Vicryl, Dexon and Intestinal Stapler for the Closure of Colon in Dogs

Eighteen healthy mongrel dogs of sexes, varying ages (16.50 ± 0.22 months) and weights (19.83 ± 0.16 kg) were used in this study. The experiment was conducted in the | department of Surgery and Obstetrics, Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam.A total of 18 dogs (male and female) were randomly divided into three groups placing 6 animals in each i.e., group-A (Vicryl 3/0 suture material), B (Dexon 3/0 suture material) and C (stapler). Physically healthy animals were used in this study in order to achieve the required results. Xylazine (9.91 ± 0.08 mg/dog) and thiopental Sodium (198.33 ± 1.05 mg/dog) was administered intramuscularly in all groups. The anaesthetized animals were placed on the dorsal recumbancy on surgical table in order to perform surgical procedure. The caudal ventral midline incision of 5 cm was made in all dogs to exteriorized the colon. One incision of 5 cm was given on colon and bleeding was controlled by artery forceps. Colon incision was closed with Vicryl (3/0) in group-A, Dixon (3/0) in group-B and intestinal stapling materials in dogs of group-C. The peritoneum in each dog was sutured with chromic catgut by simple interrupted suture technique, the linea alba was sutured with chromic catgut by simple continuous suture technique, sub-cutaneous layer was apposed with sub-cuticular suture technique using 3/0 chromic catgut. Skin was closed with simple interrupted suture pattern using silk 2/0 suture material in dogs.The total duration of anesthesia required was 328.33 ± 1.17, 330.00 ± 1.39 and 313.83 ± 2.52 minutes for closure of colon closed with Vicryl, Dexon and Stapling material respectively. The mean number of total stitches for colon closure with Vicryl, Dexon and stapling material was 15 ±0.57. 17.00 ± 0.36 and 6.66 ± 0.21 respectively. Though the partial development of mucosal folds can be seen on day 10 of post-surgery whereas fully development except lamina epithelia on day 20. It is concluded that Vicryl suture material showed the superiority in terms of better apposition of the sutured tissues and better healing and lesser complications like minimal adhesions between sutured site and other structures applied with double layer appositional suture technique for the closure of colon in dogs. This study also reveals that all suture materials were not completely free from complications but staple technique showed quicker application and lesser number of staples was required as compare to Vicryl and Dexon suture stitches and duration.

Comparison of Vicryl, Dexon and Intestinal Stapler for the Closure of Colon in Dogs

Eighteen healthy mongrel dogs of sexes, varying ages (16.50 ± 0.22 months) and weights (19.83 ± 0.16 kg) were used in this study. The experiment was conducted in the | department of Surgery and Obstetrics, Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam.A total of 18 dogs (male and female) were randomly divided into three groups placing 6 animals in each i.e., group-A (Vicryl 3/0 suture material), B (Dexon 3/0 suture material) and C (stapler). Physically healthy animals were used in this study in order to achieve the required results. Xylazine (9.91 ± 0.08 mg/dog) and thiopental Sodium (198.33 ± 1.05 mg/dog) was administered intramuscularly in all groups. The anaesthetized animals were placed on the dorsal recumbancy on surgical table in order to perform surgical procedure. The caudal ventral midline incision of 5 cm was made in all dogs to exteriorized the colon. One incision of 5 cm was given on colon and bleeding was controlled by artery forceps. Colon incision was closed with Vicryl (3/0) in group-A, Dixon (3/0) in group-B and intestinal stapling materials in dogs of group-C. The peritoneum in each dog was sutured with chromic catgut by simple interrupted suture technique, the linea alba was sutured with chromic catgut by simple continuous suture technique, sub-cutaneous layer was apposed with sub-cuticular suture technique using 3/0 chromic catgut. Skin was closed with simple interrupted suture pattern using silk 2/0 suture material in dogs.The total duration of anesthesia required was 328.33 ± 1.17, 330.00 ± 1.39 and 313.83 ± 2.52 minutes for closure of colon closed with Vicryl, Dexon and Stapling material respectively. The mean number of total stitches for colon closure with Vicryl, Dexon and stapling material was 15 ±0.57. 17.00 ± 0.36 and 6.66 ± 0.21 respectively. Though the partial development of mucosal folds can be seen on day 10 of post-surgery whereas fully development except lamina epithelia on day 20. It is concluded that Vicryl suture material showed the superiority in terms of better apposition of the sutured tissues and better healing and lesser complications like minimal adhesions between sutured site and other structures applied with double layer appositional suture technique for the closure of colon in dogs. This study also reveals that all suture materials were not completely free from complications but staple technique showed quicker application and lesser number of staples was required as compare to Vicryl and Dexon suture stitches and duration.

Impact of Climate Change on Sugarcane and Wheat Crops in District Hyderabad Sindh, Pakistan

Present research was conducted to observe the effect of climatically changes on agricultural crops, especially focusing on major climatic variable changes such as (temperature and rainfall) on wheat and sugarcane productions. Therefore this study is attempt to examine the climate change impact on production of wheat and sugarcane crops in Hyderabad district to measure the fluctuations every month during last 12 years from 2002 to 2014. Thus the following objectives were studied. To examine climate change (temperature and rainfall) scenario in the study area. To observe climate change impact on sugarcane and wheat crops of Hyderabad district, and to see the effect of temperature on the growth performance of wheat and sugarcane crop since 2002 to 2014. Findings of the study shows positive impact on sugarcane and wheat crop. Moreover 1 oC temperature increases then wheat yield increases 30.04 kgs/acre. Similarly 1oC increase temperature increases sugarcane yield rise by the amount of 450 kgs/acre respectively. Additional, to see the average growth rate from 2002 to 2014, where it reveals that the temperature growth rate was increased 0.6 0C in April. While 1 oC increased in June which is highest growth rate, similarly in July and August were 0.5 0C and 0.5 0C was increased respectively, Kharif temperature having increasing trend. Moreover in Rabi season there is high fluctuation in February which was 0.4 oC. It Is concluded that in last the trend of temperature fluctuations from 2002 to 2014. in the Kharif season temperature in April, May, June, July, August and September were 2.4, 1.25, 6.1, 0.85, 2.75, 3.55, moreover the fluctuations of Rabi season in October, November, December, January, February, March were average 2, 1.42, 1, 2.3, 1.1, and 2.2 respectively

Impact of Climate Change on Sugarcane and Wheat Crops in District Hyderabad Sindh, Pakistan

Present research was conducted to observe the effect of climatically changes on agricultural crops, especially focusing on major climatic variable changes such as (temperature and rainfall) on wheat and sugarcane productions. Therefore this study is attempt to examine the climate change impact on production of wheat and sugarcane crops in Hyderabad district to measure the fluctuations every month during last 12 years from 2002 to 2014. Thus the following objectives were studied. To examine climate change (temperature and rainfall) scenario in the study area. To observe climate change impact on sugarcane and wheat crops of Hyderabad district, and to see the effect of temperature on the growth performance of wheat and sugarcane crop since 2002 to 2014. Findings of the study shows positive impact on sugarcane and wheat crop. Moreover 1 oC temperature increases then wheat yield increases 30.04 kgs/acre. Similarly 1oC increase temperature increases sugarcane yield rise by the amount of 450 kgs/acre respectively. Additional, to see the average growth rate from 2002 to 2014, where it reveals that the temperature growth rate was increased 0.6 0C in April. While 1 oC increased in June which is highest growth rate, similarly in July and August were 0.5 0C and 0.5 0C was increased respectively, Kharif temperature having increasing trend. Moreover in Rabi season there is high fluctuation in February which was 0.4 oC. It Is concluded that in last the trend of temperature fluctuations from 2002 to 2014. in the Kharif season temperature in April, May, June, July, August and September were 2.4, 1.25, 6.1, 0.85, 2.75, 3.55, moreover the fluctuations of Rabi season in October, November, December, January, February, March were average 2, 1.42, 1, 2.3, 1.1, and 2.2 respectively

Comparison of Stapler, Single Layer and Double Layer Techniques for Colon Closure in Dogs

The present study was performed on 18 healthy dogs (aged 16.80±1.22 months) and body weight (17.07± 2.21 kg) to determine the best suturing technique among single layer, double layer and stapler technique for the closure of colon in dogs. All dog were divided into three groups, placing 6 animals in each group, i.e. group A was closed with single layer suture technique, group B was closed with double layer suture technique and group C was closed with stapler technique. The number of stitches required for colon closure were 8.83, 16.33 and 9.16 in groups –A, B and C respectively. The mean number of stitches and time taken for the completion of double layer technique was significantly higher (