Irradiation of ready meals for microbiological safety and shelf-life extension. 1. Microbiological quality of waakye and other ready-to-eat meals

Waakye bought from the open market and 14 meals prepared under the hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) plan were microbiologically investigated. The aerobic mesophilic count (AMC) (107 - 108 CFU g-1) and coliform count (106 - 107 CFU g-1) ) for complete waakye meals, including macaroni, fried fish, sauce and vegetable salad, exceeded the microbiological standards for such ready-to-eat meals. The AMC (101 - 104 CFU g-1) ) and coliform count (101- 102 CFU g-1) ) for all the ready meals prepared under HACCP and stored (-5 to 0 oC) for up to 5 days were within the standards. Potential pathogens isolated from waakye and the meals prepared under HACCP plan included Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Serratia spp., and Enterobacter spp. Subsequent studies will exploit the potential of irradiation to eliminate pathogens and ensure the microbiological safety of ready-to-eat mealsWaakye (riz et haricot cuisinés ensemble) acheté de la vente libre ainsi que quatorze repas préparés sous le critique (ARPCC) étaient enquetés par la méthode microbiologique. Le compte d'aerobic mésophilique (107 - 108 CFU g-1) et le compte coliforme (106 - 107 CFU g-1) ) pour le repas de Waakye complet qui comprenait le macaroni, le poisson frit, la sauce et la salade de légumes dépassaient les normes microbiologiqes pour tels repas cuisinés. Le compte d'aerobic mésophilique (101 - 104 CFU g-1) ) et le compte coliforme (101 - 102 CFU g-1) ) pour tous les plats cuisinés préparés sous ARPCC et conservés au froid (-5 à 0 oC) pour 5 jours étaient aux niveaux requis. Les agents pathogènes potentiels isolés de waakye et des repas préparés sous le plan d'ARPCC comprenaient Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Serratia spp., and Enterobacter spp. Les études à venir vont exploiter l'utilisation d'irradiation pour éliminer les agents pathogènes et assurer la sécurité microbiologique des repas cuisinés. Ghana Journal of Agricultural Science Vol. 39 (1) 2006: pp. 19-2

Forecast of Future Aviation Fuels. Part 1: Scenarios

A preliminary set of scenarios is described for depicting the air transport industry as it grows and changes, up to the year 2025. This provides the background for predicting the needs for future aviation fuels to meet the requirements of the industry as new basic sources, such as oil shale and coal, which are utilized to supplement petroleum. Five scenarios are written to encompass a range of futures from a serious resource-constrained economy to a continuous and optimistic economic growth. A unique feature is the choice of one immediate range scenario which is based on a serious interruption of economic growth occasioned by an energy shortfall. This is presumed to occur due to lags in starting a synfuels program

Using GIS for spatial exploratory analysis of borehole data: a firsthand approach towards groundwater development

Groundwater is an inimitable resource that provides water to communities especially in arid and semi-arid regions. However, the spatial variability of the resource as well as the heterogeneity and complex nature of aquifer systems that store groundwater presents difficulties for groundwater development. Thus, understanding the spatial structure of aquifer characteristics could be used as a resourceful tool and as a first point of call towards groundwater development. The study investigated aquifer characteristics particularly on transmissivity and specific capacity to determine how aquifer characteristics could be used in making predictions for new sites that need to be identified for potential groundwater development. Prediction maps were developed for transmissivity and specific capacity using ordinary kriging J-Bessel and exponential semi variograms techniques. The study revealed that 28% of the study area had high potential for groundwater development with transmissivity ranges of 34.40 – 46.52 m2/d. Equally, viable areas of 16% and 20% were identified with transmissivities of 27.99 – 34.39 m2/d and 13.07 – 19.47 m2/d respectively. Based on specific capacity, 21% of the study area was identified to have groundwater development potential with corresponding specific capacity of 13.54 – 20.7 m2/d. Similarly, 24% and 34% of the study area were also identified to be good for the exploitation of groundwater with corresponding specific capacities of 8.74 – 13.55 m2/d and 5.52 – 8.74 m2/d respectively. In terms of spatial structure, transmissivity was found to be variable compared to specific capacity. The application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is thus considered to be an immeasurable tool that could be used in mapping aquifer characteristics that can serve as firsthand information for groundwater development.Keywords: Spatial, Groundwater, Transmissivity, Specific capacity, Kriging, Semivariogram        

Relationship between chlorophyll content in leaves of sorghum and pigeonpea determined by extraction method and by chlorophyll meter (SPAD-502)

The estimation of chlorophyll content in leaves by the chlorophyll meter (SPAD 502) is more convenient than by the extraction method for studies on photosynthesis or senescence where the total chlorophyll is estimated on the same leaf over time. This study was to test hypothesis that specific leaf weight (SLW) appears to be one of the factors determining SPAD index under different conditions. The influence of SLW on SPAD index and an improved simple method to determine chlorophyll content of sorghum and pigeonpea by a chlorophyll meter was studied. The results indicated that regression lines were significantly different between sorghum and pigeonpea, and at the vegetative and physiological maturity stages in each crop. Residuals of simple regressions calculated from all data of each crop were correlated with SLW. Multiple-regression with SPAD index as the dependent variable, and chlorophyll content and SLW as the independent variables gave the best estimation of chlorophyll content in leaves of sorghum and pigeonpea. These results suggest that SLW is an important factor affecting SPAD index and the influence of SLW on SPAD index can vary with crop species. Devices for estimating SLW could be incorporated into the chlorophyll meter to provide SPAD values adjusted for SLW. Further investigation is required on the influence of SLW on SPAD index for other crops

Improvement of legume productivity and role of symbiotic nitrogen fixation in cropping systems: Overcoming the physiological and agronomic limitations

Nitrogen-fixing legumes can meet most of their N-needs through symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF). However, in most cases, inclusion of a legume in a cropping system does not ensure the attainment of such levels ofSNF in the field. Several environmental factors including drought, temperature and soil nutrient status dramatically affect the process at molecular/functional level and thus playa part in determining the actual amount of nitrogen fixed by a given legume in the field. lhis chapter reviews the status of SNF in response to most significant environmental constraints, and focuses on specific cases of harnessing SNF by improving its tolerance to stress factors with tI1.e aim of enhancing system productivity. Several examples are discussed, including the selection of legume crops tolerant to drought and salinity and/or allowing high biomass production and solubilization of phosphorus, identifying high nitrogen-fixing and nilrate-N tolerant genotypes and their inclusion in relevant cropping systems, and changes in agronomical management practices for better integration of legumes in cereal cropping systems. Finally, a general framework is discussed for agro-physiological contributions that can help overcome SNF limitation by environmental constraints. The on-farm application of these knowledge-based SNF technologies will strengthen the role of N2-fixing legumes in cropping system

An Analysis of the Characteristics and Practices of Selected Georgia Small Livestock Producers: A Focus on Production and Processing

Production and processing issues are of importance to small livestock producers. The study, therefore, analyzed the characteristics and practices of selected Georgia small livestock producers, emphasizing production and processing. Data were obtained from a convenience sample of forty small producers from selected counties in Georgia, and analyzed using descriptive statistics, including chi-square tests. The results showed slightly more full-time than part-time producers; more female producers than male producers; more producers with at least a two-year/technical degree than otherwise, and more producers with at least $40,000 annual household income than otherwise. A majority practiced rotational grazing, fed a combination of forage and concentrate, and conducted soil tests regularly. Moreover, a majority had parasite problems and treated primarily with anthelmintics. Most of the producers sold animals live, implying little processing. The chi-square tests showed that that race/ethnicity had a statistically significant effect on “veterinary services” among the selected production characteristics, and age had a statistically significant effect on “how animals are sold” among the selected processing characteristics. Based on the results, more processing could be encouraged. In addition, selected socioeconomic factors of importance could be emphasized in program planning and implementation for small producers. Keywords: Livestock Producers, Small Producers, Characteristics and Practices, Production and Processing

Assessing Georgia Consumer Attitudes and Beliefs about Locally or Regionally Produced Livestock and Products

Abstract Interest in local and regional food production has been growing in the last few years. The study, therefore, assessed consumer attitudes and beliefs regarding local or regional livestock products. Data were obtained from a convenience sample of 384 participants from several counties of Georgia, and were analyzed by descriptive statistics, including chi-square tests. A majority of respondents thought using chemicals and additives in locally or regionally produced beef or goat meat was a serious or somewhat serious hazard. Consequently, many were willing to pay more for meat certified as locally or regionally produced. Furthermore, a majority agreed or strongly agreed with statements on meat attributes, such as affordability and quality. Chi-square tests showed that race/ethnicity and education had significant relationships with willingness to pay more for meat certified as locally or regionally produced. Additionally, safety, availability, quality, desirability, and hygiene had significant relationships with willingness to pay more for meat certified as locally or regionally produced. Keywords: Consumers, Attitudes and Beliefs, Local or Regional, Willingness to Pay, Livestock Product

A Comparative Analysis of Selected Producer Characteristics and Production Practices of Small Livestock Producers in Three Southeastern States of The US

It is germane to know the characteristics and practices of small livestock producers in order to assist them; however, there are a paucity of investigations on the subject in the Southeastern US. Thus, this study assessed selected producer characteristics and production practices of small livestock producers in three Southeastern States. The data were collected from three samples of producers in several counties of Alabama, Georgia, and Florida, and were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results showed that, a majority of producers practiced rotational grazing, had parasite problems, quarantined newly acquired animals, and used veterinary services. Additionally, a majority sold their animals live, and many kept records manually or on a computer. The findings indicate commonalities across the three states, in terms of rotational grazing, parasite problems, quarantine, how animals are sold, and record keeping. There is a need to assist small producers in certain aspects of production practices and in value-added processe