Classification of Banana Fruit Maturity using zNose

A study was undertaken to classify the banana fruits based on their ripening/maturity by using zNose flavour detection technique. The quality parameters of banana fruits viz., respiratory quotient (RQ), total soluble solids (TSS), moisture content and firmness at each ripening/maturity stage were determined and the results were correlated with zNose flavour data. The principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify the ripening/maturity stages of banana fruits and also to test the variability of the observed data. By using multiple linear regression (MLR), models were established to predict the fruit quality parameters. The coefficient of determination (r2) corresponding to the predicted respiratory quotient, total soluble solids, moisture content and firmness were found to be 0.93, 0.94, 0.96 and 0.95, respectively, signifying better prediction of the banana fruits into different ripening/maturity stages

Global age-sex-specific mortality, life expectancy, and population estimates in 204 countries and territories and 811 subnational locations, 1950–2021, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic: a comprehensive demographic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

Background: Estimates of demographic metrics are crucial to assess levels and trends of population health outcomes. The profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on populations worldwide has underscored the need for timely estimates to understand this unprecedented event within the context of long-term population health trends. The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021 provides new demographic estimates for 204 countries and territories and 811 additional subnational locations from 1950 to 2021, with a particular emphasis on changes in mortality and life expectancy that occurred during the 2020–21 COVID-19 pandemic period. Methods: 22 223 data sources from vital registration, sample registration, surveys, censuses, and other sources were used to estimate mortality, with a subset of these sources used exclusively to estimate excess mortality due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 2026 data sources were used for population estimation. Additional sources were used to estimate migration; the effects of the HIV epidemic; and demographic discontinuities due to conflicts, famines, natural disasters, and pandemics, which are used as inputs for estimating mortality and population. Spatiotemporal Gaussian process regression (ST-GPR) was used to generate under-5 mortality rates, which synthesised 30 763 location-years of vital registration and sample registration data, 1365 surveys and censuses, and 80 other sources. ST-GPR was also used to estimate adult mortality (between ages 15 and 59 years) based on information from 31 642 location-years of vital registration and sample registration data, 355 surveys and censuses, and 24 other sources. Estimates of child and adult mortality rates were then used to generate life tables with a relational model life table system. For countries with large HIV epidemics, life tables were adjusted using independent estimates of HIV-specific mortality generated via an epidemiological analysis of HIV prevalence surveys, antenatal clinic serosurveillance, and other data sources. Excess mortality due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021 was determined by subtracting observed all-cause mortality (adjusted for late registration and mortality anomalies) from the mortality expected in the absence of the pandemic. Expected mortality was calculated based on historical trends using an ensemble of models. In location-years where all-cause mortality data were unavailable, we estimated excess mortality rates using a regression model with covariates pertaining to the pandemic. Population size was computed using a Bayesian hierarchical cohort component model. Life expectancy was calculated using age-specific mortality rates and standard demographic methods. Uncertainty intervals (UIs) were calculated for every metric using the 25th and 975th ordered values from a 1000-draw posterior distribution. Findings: Global all-cause mortality followed two distinct patterns over the study period: age-standardised mortality rates declined between 1950 and 2019 (a 62·8% [95% UI 60·5–65·1] decline), and increased during the COVID-19 pandemic period (2020–21; 5·1% [0·9–9·6] increase). In contrast with the overall reverse in mortality trends during the pandemic period, child mortality continued to decline, with 4·66 million (3·98–5·50) global deaths in children younger than 5 years in 2021 compared with 5·21 million (4·50–6·01) in 2019. An estimated 131 million (126–137) people died globally from all causes in 2020 and 2021 combined, of which 15·9 million (14·7–17·2) were due to the COVID-19 pandemic (measured by excess mortality, which includes deaths directly due to SARS-CoV-2 infection and those indirectly due to other social, economic, or behavioural changes associated with the pandemic). Excess mortality rates exceeded 150 deaths per 100 000 population during at least one year of the pandemic in 80 countries and territories, whereas 20 nations had a negative excess mortality rate in 2020 or 2021, indicating that all-cause mortality in these countries was lower during the pandemic than expected based on historical trends. Between 1950 and 2021, global life expectancy at birth increased by 22·7 years (20·8–24·8), from 49·0 years (46·7–51·3) to 71·7 years (70·9–72·5). Global life expectancy at birth declined by 1·6 years (1·0–2·2) between 2019 and 2021, reversing historical trends. An increase in life expectancy was only observed in 32 (15·7%) of 204 countries and territories between 2019 and 2021. The global population reached 7·89 billion (7·67–8·13) people in 2021, by which time 56 of 204 countries and territories had peaked and subsequently populations have declined. The largest proportion of population growth between 2020 and 2021 was in sub-Saharan Africa (39·5% [28·4–52·7]) and south Asia (26·3% [9·0–44·7]). From 2000 to 2021, the ratio of the population aged 65 years and older to the population aged younger than 15 years increased in 188 (92·2%) of 204 nations. Interpretation: Global adult mortality rates markedly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, reversing past decreasing trends, while child mortality rates continued to decline, albeit more slowly than in earlier years. Although COVID-19 had a substantial impact on many demographic indicators during the first 2 years of the pandemic, overall global health progress over the 72 years evaluated has been profound, with considerable improvements in mortality and life expectancy. Additionally, we observed a deceleration of global population growth since 2017, despite steady or increasing growth in lower-income countries, combined with a continued global shift of population age structures towards older ages. These demographic changes will likely present future challenges to health systems, economies, and societies. The comprehensive demographic estimates reported here will enable researchers, policy makers, health practitioners, and other key stakeholders to better understand and address the profound changes that have occurred in the global health landscape following the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic, and longer-term trends beyond the pandemic

Studies on correlation and path coefficient analysis on yield attributes in root knot nematodes resistant F1 hybrids of tomato

Abstract: Investigations were undertaken to develop F hybrids in tomato for high yield, processing qualities with resistance to root knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) by studying eighty hybrids developed, involving fourteen parents mated in a Line x Tester fashion (both direct and reciprocal crosses). Among the hybrid combinations, twenty-three hybrids were found to be resistant to root knot nematode under both natural condition in field and artificial inoculation in pot culture. These hybrids were test verified by raising again. Among the twenty three hybrids, CLN 2026C x SL 120, CLN 2026E x SL 120, LE 812 x SL 120 and CLN 1464A x SL 120 were found to be high yielding with resistance to root knot nematode along with good processing qualities. The yield contributing traits like plant height, fruit weight and quality traits like pericarp thickness, acidity, ascorbic acid and lycopene were found to have positive and significant association with yield per plant both at genotypic and phenotypic levels. The other resistant traits like root length, total phenol, orthodihydroxy phenol, IAA oxidase, chlorogenic acid and ascorbic acid in roots showed negative and significant association with root gall index, suggesting their role in root knot nematode resistance. These characters could be reliably looked for, while selecting a high yielding genotype

Mathematical Modeling on Drying of Tamarind Fruits

661-670Tamarind is an indigenous tree in India and every parts of the tree such as root, stem, fruit and leaves are widely used in nutritional, medicinal and industrial applications. The stickiness of tamarind fruit is a major concern during the deseeding process, and it can be reduced by drying. The tamarind growers and processing industries are still using the sun drying method, which is time-consuming and unhygienic that produces a poor-quality product. In this context, a cabinet type tray dryer was used to reduce the moisture content from dehulled and de-fibered tamarind fruit. Drying study of tamarind was conducted at three different temperatures (50, 60 and 70°C) with different airflow rates (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 m/s). Different drying models were adopted for analyzing the drying kinetics of dehulled tamarind fruit under different temperature conditions. The highest coefficient of determination of 0.9998 and reduced Chi square value of 0.00012 was favoring the optimized drying condition based on Wang and Singh model. The optimized temperature and airflow rate were found to be 60°C and 1.0 m/s, respectively. For the optimized drying conditions, the corresponding quality parameters viz., L*, a* and b* values, total soluble solids, titratable acidity and pH were found to be 44.30 ± 1.16, 3.50 ± 0.11 and 13.2 ± 0.15, 25.60 ± 1.00 obrix, 17.40 ± 0.58% and 3.1 ± 0.08, respectively

Implementation of K-Means Clustering Technique in Banana Production of Tamil Nadu, India

Aim: The main objectives of this study are to make use of the K-Means clustering approach to cluster the Banana data and to assist with crop yield prediction. Study Design: One of the methods of Big Data Analytics K-Means clustering is usedto cluster the data set. Place and Duration of Study: So far, the period 2010-2020, time series data were collected from the season and crop report, Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Chennai. Methodology: The horticulture industry has a significant impact on India's economic development. In the globe, after China, India ranks second in terms of fruit and vegetable production. Compare to the various fruits Mango and banana are one of the most abundant fruits in India. So, the Banana dataset were collected and dataset were clustered using the K-Means clustering technique and the optimum number of clusters were identify using the elbow approach. Results: According to these results from this study, there is positive relationship between the Area, Soil moisture, Maximum Temperature, Relative Humidity and negative relationship between Rainfall, Wind Speed and Minimum temperature related Banana production. Using K-Means clustering it divides the given dataset into three clusters in which cluster 3 contains high Banana production afterwards two and one. Conclusion: The selection of the most productive clusters is going to tell farmers on where to focus their efforts while planting crops in order to enhance productivity and crop production

Characterization of Attributes in Dehusked Coconut

Selected physical properties of dehusked coconut as length, width, thickness, geometric mean diameter, sphericity, surface area, bulk density and true density were investigated. Compositional changes in coconut fruits, including volume and weight, shell weight, weight of mature coconut water, wet and dry flesh weight, thickness of the flesh and shell were also evaluated. The average fruit length, major diameter and minor diameter were 99.2±13.3 mm, 91.5±8.9 mm, and 89.5±8.7 mm, respectively; while the sphericity, true density, bulk density and surface area were 0.90±0.05, 998±68.8 kg.m-3, 483±37.3 kg.m-3 and 274.2±50.4 cm2 , respectively. The frequency distribution of the major diameter and the fruit mass followed the Gaussian model. Correlations between fruit characteristics were also determined. Results indicated that fruit weight and total wet flesh weight were closely correlated, and both of these characteristics can be used as an indicator of fruit size

The Drying kinetics of Cissus quadrangularis dried in a Fluidized bed dryer

Cissus quadrangularis is an extensively utilized medicinal plant in India which has numerous health benefits. Hence, the drying kinetics of Cissus was studied using fluidized bed dryer to identify suitable drying conditions and to understand moisture removal and its connection to process variables.  The present research aimed to determine a suitable drying model of fluidized bed drying of Cissus quadrangularis Linn., determine the effective moisture diffusivity of the drying process and the activation energy, and investigate the effects of temperatures on the drying kinetics of Cissus. The drying experiments were conducted at three different air temperatures (40, 50 and 60 ºC), bed thickness of 5 cm, constant air velocity of 8 m/s and 0.5-1 cm length Cissus samples. The experimental drying data was fit into thirteen thin layer models and the best model describing the drying of Cissus was selected based on the correlation coefficient (R), root mean square error (RMSE), and reduced chi-square (χ2).  The drying process occurred in a falling rate period for all the drying air temperatures and a constant rate period was not observed. Among all the thirteen models tested, approximation of diffusion was found to explain the thin layer drying behavior of C. quadrangularis accurately. The effective moisture diffusivity for Cissus was in the range of 1.54 - 3.12x 10-10 m2/s  and the activation energy was 30.76 kJ/ mole, respectively.  Hence, fluidized bed drying is more effective for convective drying of Cissus and the drying models are useful for selecting the best operational condition for fluidized bed dryer and design of an equipment

A composite fall-slippage model for cliff recession in the sedimentary coastal cliffs

© 2016 China University of Geosciences (Beijing) and Peking University A composite fall-slippage model is proposed in this study for the Tertiary sedimentary coastal cliffs of Varkala in the western coastal tract of Peninsular India which are retreating landwards due to the combination of several factors. The fall model in the present study accounts both spring seepage and wave action, resulting in undercutting and this fall affects only the topmost laterite and the just below sandstone in the cliff. Slippage in this area affects all the litho-units and hence the geologic characteristics of all the litho-units are considered for developing the slippage model. This mathematically derived model can be used in other cliffs exhibiting the same morphology as well as the one controlled by the same influencing factors. This model differs from other models in incorporating multi-lithounits as well as multi-notches. Varkala cliffs form a part of the aspiring geopark in the Global Geopark Network and hence a study on the cliff recession is a pressing requirement

Effects of Tray and Freeze Drying on Physico-chemical and Structural Properties of Fig Fruit Powder

A study was conducted on the drying of fig fruits using tray-drying [50 °C, 60 °C, 70 °C for 3 h] and freeze-drying [(-)43 °C for 24 h] dehydration techniques. The physico-chemical properties of fig fruit powder were studied. Different temperatures and methods of drying had effects on the moisture content, water activity, physico-chemical properties, and structural properties. Moisture content and water activity were in the range of 6.5-8.5% (w.b.) and 0.40-0.60, respectively. Powders of 15- 30 μm size range and with a flaky texture had moderate flowability. FTIR analysis exhibited peaks of varied range. XRD analysis showed that the powders were predominately amorphous in nature, and C-type starch was present

Effect of Inorganic Fertilizer and Spacing on the Plant Growth of Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus costaricencis) under Tamil Nadu Agro-Climatic Conditions

The dragon fruit (Hylocereus costaricencis) is a new emerging fruit crop, there is very less information available on the spacing and fertilizer dose requirements of this crop so the present study was carried out to find the effect of fertilizer doses, spacings, and interaction effect of both on plant growth of dragon fruit (Hylocereus costaricencis) at the Orchard, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. during the year 2022. The design of the experiment was a split plot with four main plots viz. M1 = 3.5 x 2.0 m2, M2 = 3.0 x 3.0 m2, M3 = 3.0 x 2.5 m2, M4 = 2.5 x 2.5 m2 and six sub plots viz. S1 = N540 P420 K360, S2 = N495 P385 K330, S3 = N450 P350 K300, S4 = N340 P260 K225, S5 = N225 P175 K150, S6 = N0 P0 K0 g per pillar was applied and replicate four times. A significant difference was observed in terms of vine length (m), cladode girth (cm), cladode length (cm), and cladode number when different doses of fertilizers were applied. The highest vine length (2.96), cladode girth (24.52), cladode length (67.21), and number of cladodes (67.48) were observed in S3 (N450 P350 K300). Similarly, the highest vine length (2.503) and cladode girth (19.78) were observed in M4 (2.5 x 2.5 m2). The highest cladode length (67.47) was observed in treatment combination M2S3. Hence, the application of fertilizer dose S3 (N450 P350 K300) and adoption of spacing M4 (2.5 x 2.5 m2) is good to enhance the vegetative growth characters of dragon fruit under Tamil Nadu conditions.&nbsp