Evaluation of a hybrid dryer for the production of apple chips

Published ArticleThe paper highlights the design, development and evaluation of a hybrid convective-far-infrared (FIR) dehydrator for the purpose of drying fruit. The methodology followed is based on an experimental and practical approach. The application of the dryer for this study is aimed at the production of apple chips as well as other types of fruit chips and the more common dried fruit. The fruit dryer proposed uses both infrared energy and convective heating to effectively and efficiently dehydrate apple slices to produce dried apple chips. The apple chips are produced in very short time frames and accomplished by using relatively low heater power. These types of apple chip snacks also contribute to the more healthy variety of snacks available on the market

Growth, Yield, and Postharvest Characteristics of Grafted Bitter Gourd using Different Sponge Gourd Rootstocks

Grafting is an emerging technology that addresses adverse agricultural problems in both soil and climatic conditions. The study was conducted to evaluate the growth, yield, and fruit quality of bitter gourd or ampalaya (Momordica charantia L.) grafted with different sponge gourd or patola (Luffa cylindrica L.) rootstocks. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with four treatments replicated thrice. The treatments were as follows: T0–Control (ungrafted), T1–Hybrid patola (var. Mutya), T2–Open-pollinated variety (var. Esmeralda), and T3-Bureau of Plant Industry bacterial wilt–resistant variety patola rootstock (BPI BW resistant var.). Results revealed that grafted ampalaya plants markedly produced female flowers first rather than male. Generally, nongrafted plants produced more laterals, longer vines on the early weeks from transplanting, more marketable fruits per plant, as well as higher total soluble solids (TSS) and electrical conductivity (EC). Nevertheless, nongrafted plants also exhibited more non-marketable fruits, greatest disease incidence, and lower percent free-radical scavenging activity (%FRSA). On the other hand, grafted ampalaya plants have lesser disease incidence, minimal percent weightloss, delayed color changes, firmness, and initial pH readings after the eighth harvest. Postharvest life or shelf life and visual quality rating of grafted ampalaya were extended but were not statistically different with the nongrafted fruits. However, grafted ampalaya fruits have higher chlorophyll a and b and carotenoid content and significantly had the highest %FRSA. These findings imply that improvement of ampalaya plant through grafting, specifically into different patola rootstocks, were compatible, reduced disease incidence, and have more nutritious fruits compared to nongrafted ampalaya plants

Analysis of the efficacy of a simplified infrared energy management system

This paper summarizes a comparison of an always-on and a programmable type industrial style infrared dryer. The load power supplied for each kind of dryer is analysed. The design and imple-mentation of an infrared radiation controller is also presented. The study includes both the theoretical aspects of the design process as well as an overview of the practical facets involved. The infrared drying system controller was subjected to comparative test-ing with an on/off control model, in order to observe the controller’s performance and validate its effec-tiveness. The proposed controller contributes to a more energy efficient drying system than the always-on techniques that are employed to fluctuate the heater temperature

A PV power supply module for a portable Cubesat satellite ground station

This research focuses on the problem of powering a remote and mobile satellite ground station, where utility power is unavailable. It focuses on the use of photovoltaic energy, which is now widely accepted as an alternative source of energy. However, PV suffers from low conversion efficiency, non-linear I-V characteristics, which depend on temperature changes and the earth rotation. The research focuses on accurate determination of the ground station power budget whose total power demand involves an azimuth and rotator function and a current which varies depending on the stages of communication with the satellite. The power budget is used to determine the size, the ratings of solar generators, batteries and the system components. With the aid of a power logger, the PV voltage, the battery voltage, the AC voltage and PV power output is analysed for varying satellite loads. The data is analysed by taking into account the solar irradiation level on the day of measurement and the percentage cloud cover. This method is found to improve the reliability and can be adopted to improve reliability of standalone PV systems. The results are vital in PV power management and design

Notes on the feeding habits of the Caribbean Watersnake, Tretanorhinus variabilis (Dipsadidae)

The Caribbean Watersnake, Tretanorhinus variabilis (Dipsadidae) is one of two aquatic West Indian snakes. Despite being a relatively common species in Cuba and the Cayman Islands, its feeding habits have been poorly stud­ied. Herein we report several new instances of predation by this species on fishes, frogs, and a freshwater crab. The latter represents the first record of durophagy in this species and the third snake reported as a crab eater in the West Indies. &nbsp

PROPUESTA METODOLÓGICA PARA LA DELIMITACION SEMIAUTOMÁTIZADA DE UNIDADES DE PAISAJE DE NÍVEL LOCAL

A partir de la experiencia adquirida en la realización de mapas de paisajes, con el empleo de las herramientas presentes en los Sistemas de Información Geográfica (SIG), los autores presentan una propuesta metodológica para la confección de mapas de paisaje con un enfoque topológico, que se basa en la distinción de geocomplejos de carácter local, formados por la interacción de los componentes naturales y la acción humana, que se caracterizan por poseer rasgos particulares (MATEO, 2008). El procedimiento metodológico que se describe para la delimitación de las unidades de paisajes se realiza con las herramientas de análisis espacial presentes en el software ArcGIS Desktop. Una vez delimitadas estas unidades de paisaje, se explica el procedimiento de diferenciación y clasificación de las mismas, a partir del enfoque utilizado y la elaboración de su correspondiente leyenda temática. Vale la pena aclarar que el procedimiento propuesto no constituye algo cerrado, sino una guía que puede y debe ser enriquecida por parte de los usuarios.From the experience gained from the mapping of landscapes, with the use of the tools presented in the Geographic Information Systems (GIS), the authors present a methodology for mapping of landscape with a topological approach, which distinction is based on the local character of landscapes, based on the interaction between the natural components and human action, which are characterized by particular traits (MATEO, 2008). The methodological procedure described for the delineation of landscape units is done with the spatial analysis tools presented in ArcGIS Desktop Software. Once defined these landscape units, it is explained the procedure of differentiation and classification of them, from the approach used and the development of its corresponding thematic legend. It is important to say that the proposed procedure is not something closed, but a guide that can and should be enriched by users

Determination of potentials of farming and forestry of the Municipality of Guisa, Cuba

En consonancia con las nuevas regulaciones establecidas por el Gobierno cubano para la entrega en usufructo de tierras ociosas para la producción de alimentos, a personas o grupos de personas, se desarrolla en Cuba un acelerado proceso de reocupación del espacio rural, no siempre tomando en cuenta las potencialidades reales de las tierras, ni las regulaciones y normativas ambientales vigentes para la ocupación de dichos espacios. Esta investigación parte de la obtención de mapas de cobertura mediante el tratamiento digital de imágenes Landsat TM, la modelación en SIG de las variables y el análisis las normativas ambientales vigentes para cada uso propuesto. Ofrece para el municipio de Guisa un escenario de potenciales agropecuarios y silvícolas para su adecuado aprovechamiento en función de la producción de alimentos, determinándose que el territorio, a pesar de ser montañoso en un 70%, cuenta con los lugares adecuados para tal desarrollo sin comprometer la protección del medio ambiente.Cuban government has established new regulations to handover in usufruct idle lands for food production to people or groups of people. In agreement with these, a rapid process of occupying again the rural area is being developed in Cuba, but the real potentialities of lands and the current environmental regulations for the occupation of these areas are not always taken into account. This research aims to obtain coverage maps by means of digital editing of Landsat TM images, the creation of models in GIS (Geographic Information System) and the current environmental regulations analysis for each proposed use. Furthermore, this study offers to the municipality of Guisa an outlook of potentials of farming and forestry for its right use according to food production. Finally, this article establishes that the territory, even though 70 % of it is mountainous, counts on suitable places for food production without endangering the protection of the environment.Fil: Ramón Puebla, Adonis M.. Universidad de La Habana (Cuba)Fil: Martínez Quintana, Leusnier. Universidad de La Habana (Cuba)Fil: Suárez García, Célida. Universidad de La Habana (Cuba)Fil: López Suárez, Orlando. Universidad de La Habana (Cuba)Fil: Salinas Chávez, Eduardo. Universidad de La Habana (Cuba

Endothelial Senescence and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, a COVID-19 Based Hypothesis

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome is a serious illness of unknown etiology, characterized by debilitating exhaustion, memory impairment, pain and sleep abnormalities. Viral infections are believed to initiate the pathogenesis of this syndrome although the definite proof remains elusive. With the unfolding of COVID-19 pandemic, the interest in this condition has resurfaced as excessive tiredness, a major complaint of patients infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, often lingers for a long time, resulting in disability, and poor life quality. In a previous article, we hypothesized that COVID-19-upregulated angiotensin II triggered premature endothelial cell senescence, disrupting the intestinal and blood brain barriers. Here, we hypothesize further that post-viral sequelae, including myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, are promoted by the gut microbes or toxin translocation from the gastrointestinal tract into other tissues, including the brain. This model is supported by the SARS-CoV-2 interaction with host proteins and bacterial lipopolysaccharide. Conversely, targeting microbial translocation and cellular senescence may ameliorate the symptoms of this disabling illness