Effect of Hybrid Photovoltaic Solar Drying Method on the Physicochemical Properties of Fresh and Dried Tomato Slices

A hybrid photovoltaic solar dryer under the climatic conditions was used to dry tomato slices at Yola in Nigeria. The effect of this drying method on the physicochemical properties of the dried tomatoes was examined and compared with fresh tomatoes by using standard methods. The percentage proximate compositions of the fresh tomatoes was significantly different (p<0.05) from the dried ones. The fresh tomatoes contained 1.05% crude protein, 0.35% crude fat, 1.02% crude ash, 0.63% crude fiber and 2.57% carbohydrate while the open sun dried tomatoes contained 9.21% crude protein, 1.43% crude fat, 29.86% crude ash, 2.01% crude fiber and 49.24% carbohydrate. Solar dried tomatoes contained 10.67% crude protein, 1.47% crude fat, 47.03% crude ash, 2.41% crude fiber and 28.87% carbohydrate. Hybrid photovoltaic dried tomatoes contained 11.29% crude protein, 1.87% crude fat, 45.88% crude ash, 2.47% crude fiber and 30.86% carbohydrate. The titratable acidity of the hybrid photovoltaic dried tomatoes was significantly higher (p<0.05) than that of solar and open sun dried tomatoes. However, the pH of the fresh tomatoes was significantly higher (p<0.05) than the dried ones. The taste index showed that the tomatoes dried by hybrid photovoltaic drying method was superior to the tomato dried through direct solar energy dryer and open sun drying other products. Conclusively, tomato by hybrid photovoltaic drying method was superior to other drying methods used and given product with higher quality

Influence of Extrusion Process Conditions on the Residence Time and Throughput of a Twin-Screw Extruder Using Full Factorial Experimental Design

The effect of extrusion condition on residence time and throughput rate of a twin-screw extruder was investigated using blends of sorghum groundnut and tiger nut in twin-screw extruder SLG65 Model. In this study, a three factor 3-level full factorial experimental design was adopted. The influence of extrusion cooking conditions on both the combine effect and the effect of independent variables were evaluated. The analysis of variance showed that both linear and quadratic were not significant, however, interaction significantly (P<0.05) affect both the residence time and the throughput rate of the extruded.  The results revealed that the throughput rate ranged from (0.012-0.040 Kg/s). The highest value was recorded at 100°C barrel temperature, 50:30:20 feed composition for ratios of sorghum groundnut and tiger nut and 18% feed moisture content. While the residence time ranged from (47 - 66.0 S) the highest residence time was obtained at 110°C barrel temperature 50:30:20 ratios of sorghum groundnut and tiger nut and 26 % feed moisture content. The information provided about the residence time and throughput rate of a twin-screw extruder will be used in fabricating an extruder that will be used in producing similar extruded product. The result of the research could be used by intended processors of similar extruded product to explore the possibility of producing similar product by manipulating the processing variables in order to obtain a desired product.         &nbsp

Effect of Twin Screw Extrusion Variables on Amino Acid Profile of Dakuwa Produced from Blends of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolour L), Groundnut (Arachis hypogea L) and Tigernut (Cyperus esculentus L)

In this study, the effect of twin screw extrusion variables on amino acid profile of Dakuwa produced from blends of sorghum (Sorghum bicolour L), groundnut (Arachis hypogea L) and tigernut (Cyperus esculentus L) were researched. For this purpose, feed moisture content (18, 22 and 26%) barrel temperature (90, 100 and 110°C), feed composition 50:20:30, 50:25:25, 50:30:20 were used as parameters using Three Factor Three Levels Full Factorial Experimental Design (TFTLFFED) and twin screw food extrusion cooker (SLG 65-III Model China). As a result of the study it was found that extrusion increased the average amino acid profile of the extrudates significantly (p<0.05) with lysine (3.41-3.99 g/100 g), histidine (2.25-2.49 g/100 g) arginine (5.19-5.67 g/100 g) aspartic acid (8.59-8.92 g/100 g), threonine (3.35-3.93 g/100 g), serine (3.07-3.09 g/100 g), Glutamic acid (10.59-12.5 g/100 g), proline (2.32-2.86 g/100 g), glycine (3.48-3.90 g/100 g), alanine (3.36-3.88 g/100 g), cystine (0.83-1.09 g/100 g), valine (3.50-3.75 g/100 g), methionine (1.10-1.19 g/100 g), isoleucine (2.35-3.01 g/100 g), leucine (6.81-7.07 g/100 g), tyrosine (2.15-2.76 g/100 g) and phenylalanine (3.52-3.93 g/100 g) un-extrudates to extrudates respectively. On comparison of average amino acid with FAO daily recommended intake most of the essential amino acid profile of the extrudates satisfy the daily recommended intake for both adult and children

Fampridine-induced changes in walking kinetics are associated with clinical improvements in patients with multiple sclerosis

Gait dysfunction is common in patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Treatment with prolonged-release fampridine (PR-fampridine) improves walking ability in some PwMS. Associated fampridine-induced changes in the walking pattern are still poorly understood but may provide a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the beneficial drug effects. 61 PwMS were treated with PR-fampridine in a randomized, monocentric, double-blind and placebo-controlled clinical trial with crossover design (FAMPKIN). Drug-induced improvements in walking speed (Timed-25-Foot Walk; T25FW) and endurance (6-Minute Walk Test; 6MWT) were quantified. In this sub-study of the FAMPKIN trial, fampridine-induced changes in kinetic gait patterns were analyzed by pressure-based foot print analysis during treadmill walking. Vertical ground reaction forces were analyzed during different gait phases. Kinetic data of 44 PwMS was eligible for analysis. During double-blind treatment with PR-fampridine, patients performed significantly better in the T25FW and 6MWT than during placebo treatment (p < 0.0001 for both). At the group level (n = 44), there were no significant changes of gait kinetics under PR-fampridine vs. placebo. However, we found relevant changes of walking kinetics regarding forces during loading, single limb and pre-swing phase in a patient sub-group (n = 8). Interestingly, this sub-group demonstrated superior responsiveness to PR-fampridine in the clinical walking tests compared to those patients without any fampridine-induced changes in kinetics (n = 36). Our results demonstrate fampridine-induced changes in gait kinetics in a sub-group of PwMS. These gait pattern changes were accompanied by improved clinical walking performance under PR-fampridine. These results shed some light on the biomechanical changes in walking patterns underlying enhanced fampridine-induced gait performance

Simultaneous multislice diffusion-weighted imaging of the kidney: a systematic analysis of image quality

OBJECTIVES The aims of this study were to implement a protocol for simultaneous multislice (SMS) accelerated diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) of the kidneys and to perform a systematic analysis of image quality of the data sets. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ten healthy subjects and 5 patients with renal masses underwent DWI of the kidney in this prospective institutional review board-approved study on a 3 T magnetic resonance scanner. Simultaneous multislice DWI echo-planar sequences (acceleration factors [AFs] 2 and 3) were compared with conventional echo-planar DWI as reference standard for each acquisition scheme. The following 3 acquisition schemes were applied: comparison A, with increased number of acquisitions at constant scan time; comparison B, with reduction of acquisition time; and comparison C, with increased slice resolution (constant acquisition time, increasing number of slices). Interreader reliability was analyzed by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Qualitative image quality features were evaluated by 2 independent radiologists on a 5-point Likert scale. Quantification accuracy of the apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) and signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) were assessed by region of interest analysis. Furthermore, lesion conspicuity in the 5 patients was assessed using a 5-point Likert scale by 2 independent radiologists. RESULTS Interreader agreement was substantial with an ICC of 0.68 for the overall image quality and an ICC of 0.73 for the analysis of artifacts. In comparison A, AF2 resulted in increased SNR (P < 0.05) by 21% at stable image quality scores (image quality: P = 0.76, artifacts: P = 0.21). In comparison B, applying AF2, the scan time could be reduced by 46% without significant reduction in qualitative image quality scores (P = 0.059) or SNR (P = 0.126). In comparison C, slice resolution could be improved by 28% using AF2 with stable image quality scores and SNR. In general, AF3 resulted in reduced image quality and SNR. Significantly reduced ADC values were observed for AF3 in comparison C (cortex: P = 0.003; medulla: P = 0.001) compared with the standard echo-planar imaging sequence. The conventional DWI and the SMS DWI with AF2 showed stable lesion conspicuity ([AF1/AF2]: reader 1 [1.8/1.4] and reader 2 [1.8/1.4]). The lesion conspicuity was lower using AF3 (reader 1: 2.2 and reader 2: 1.8). CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, SMS DWI of the kidney is a potential tool to substantially reduce scan time without negative effects on SNR, ADC quantification accuracy, and image quality if an AF2 is used. Although AF3 results in even higher scan time reduction, a negative impact on image quality, SNR, ADC quantification accuracy, and lesion conspicuity must be considered

Prolonged-release fampridine in multiple sclerosis: Improved ambulation effected by changes in walking pattern

BACKGROUND Prolonged-release fampridine (PR-fampridine, 4-aminopyridine) increases walking speed in the timed 25-foot walk test (T25FW) in some patients (timed-walk responders) with multiple sclerosis (MS). OBJECTIVE To explore the effects of PR-fampridine on different aspects of walking function and to identify associated gait modifications in subjects with MS. METHODS In this prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, phase II study (FAMPKIN; clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01576354), subjects received a 6-week course of oral placebo or PR-fampridine treatment (10 mg, twice daily) before crossing over. Using 3D-motion-analysis, kinematic and kinetic parameters were assessed during treadmill walking (primary endpoint). Clinical outcome measures included T25FW, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and balance scales. Physical activity in everyday life was measured with an accelerometer device. RESULTS Data from 55 patients were suitable for analysis. Seventeen subjects were timed-walk responders under PR-fampridine. For the total study population and for responders, a significant increase in walking speed (T25FW) and distance (6MWT) was observed. Gait pattern changes were found at the single-subject level and correlated with improvements in the T25FW and 6MWT. Physical activity was increased in responders. CONCLUSION PR-fampridine improves walking speed, endurance, and everyday physical activity in a subset of subjects with MS and leads to individual modifications of the gait pattern

Influence of migratory ungulate management on competitive interactions with resident species in a protected area

Migratory animals can represent links between protected and unprotected parts of their home ranges. Management of such species outside a conservation area can influence species interactions inside the protected zone. This may result in unintended effects on populations of conservation concern even if they spend their entire life cycle within the protected area. We examined interspecific interactions between three species of large herbivores in the absence of mammalian predators in the Swiss National Park, and assessed whether the population size of the migratory red deer (Cervus elaphus) that is harvested outside the park in autumn and winter affected the two resident species, chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) and ibex (Capra ibex). Dietary overlap was high between the three species while they co-occurred in the park, suggesting potential for interspecific resource competition. Particularly the habitat use of chamois was affected by red deer population size, with decreased use of meadows and forest with increasing red deer numbers, and increased use of areas covered by scree. Ibex habitat use was affected by the population sizes of all three species, but effects differed between species and season. Moreover, horn growth in young chamois and the population growth rate of ibex were negatively related to red deer numbers. The results suggest that high population size of red deer negatively affects ibex and chamois through the migratory behavior of red deer between protected and non-protected areas. Effective management of a migratory ungulate species outside the protected part of its range, taking account of its ecology and natural behavior, can thus have positive effects on populations within a protected area by alleviating interspecific competition. However, this requires co-operation between policy makers and hunters, acceptance by local people, as well as flexibility to deviate from traditional management regimes such as supplementary feeding to tie animals to certain areas