Extension of the shelf-life of fresh oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) by modified atmosphere packaging with chemical treatments

The objective of this study was to improve the preservation of fresh oyster mushrooms by modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and chemical treatments. The MAP effects and treatments on organoleptic quality, weight loss, cell permeability, texture changes and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity were studied. In addition, three packaging materials were used for MAP mushroom storage. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) proved to be a more suitable material than polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and LDPE-PVC as MAP materials. On the other hand, for mushrooms storage, MAP in combination with chemical treatments (sorbitol 0.05 g/100 g, CaCl2 1.0 g/100 g and citric acid 3.0 g/100 g) showed inhibitory effects on weight loss and mushrooms cell permeability. Furthermore, the results of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, texture and organoleptic analysis also showed that active MAP, composed of 1.5% O2 and 20% CO2 and combined with chemical treatments, was found to be beneficial in maintaining oyster mushrooms quality and shelf-life.Key words: Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), oyster mushroom, shelf-life, preservation, chemical treatments

What terms does your metadata use? Application profiles as machine-understandable narratives

The SCHEMAS Registry aims at providing a selected and annotated overview of metadata vocabularies and their use in application environments. Based on harvested metadata in RDF (Resource Description Framework), the registry allows users to explore links between "namespace schemas", which declare standard definitions of metadata terms, and "application profiles" ? RDF statements about the use or adaptation of namespace terms for particular domains, services, or projects. Where instance metadata does not follow standard namespaces or explicit data models, this style allows implementors to assert an explicit mapping to standard terms. Registering profiles can help harmonize metadata usage in particular domains and, in the longer term, could provide a machine-processable basis for automating crosswalks and conversions

Design, Fabrication and Testing of an Impact-Type Hand Operated Cocoa Pod Breaker

Rosana G. Moreira, Editor-in-Chief; Texas A&M UniversityThis is a paper from International Commission of Agricultural Engineering (CIGR, Commission Internationale du Genie Rural) E-Journal Volume 8 (2006): Design, Fabrication and Testing of an Impact-Type Hand Operated Cocoa Pod Breaker. Manuscript PM 06 022. Vol. VIII. November, 2006

Laboratory Evaluation of Fipronil on Biological, Parameters, Gut Microflora and Physiology of Eudrilus

Abstract- Earthworms are economically important organisms and play key role in environmental management. Vermiculture is entirely natural process which maintains the environmental balance. In the present studies an attempt was made to observe the effect of soil mixed insecticide, viz. Fipronil on biological parameters, reproductive physiology of and total count of gut microflora of Eudrilus eugeniae and the ability of these micrflora to produce enzymes. It was observed that in Fipronil treated soil the earthworm population was reduced and its growth and reproductive potential was adversely affected. The number of cocoons and juveniles formed was decreased in Fipronil treated soil than in control. In addition to that carbon and phosphorus content of the treated soil is significantly reduced as compared to the control. In case of earthworms from treated soil there was reduction in total viable count of gut microflora as well as enzyme production ability of microflora as compared to that in control. Index Terms- Fipronil, gut microflora of earthworm, soil fertility I I

DEVELOPMENT OF A DRUM DRYER TO PRODUCE DEHYDRATED FLAKES FROM MUNGBEAN

A drum dryer to make dehydrated flakes from mungbean slurry was designed, fabricated and tested. The performance tests were conducted at 2.0, 2.4, 3.0 and 3.3 rpm drum speeds, 150, 160 and 170°c drum surface temperatures and 3, 6 and 9% slurry starch contents. The performance parameters were production rate, reabsorption capacity, color, browning and moisture content off lakes. Observations indicated that temperature did not affect the production rate significantly. The reabsorption characteristics of the flakes were affected by drum temperature and slurry starch content. The color was affected by the starch content. The drum speed, temperature and starch content of slurry affected the moisture content of the product significantly. The best operating conditions of the drum dryer were found to be 3.3 rpm drum speed and a 35 degree blade angle. The results of the study indicated that the drum drying technique can be successfully used to produce dehydrated mungbean flakes

Enantioselective synthesis of diarylmethanols using microbial transformation

199-202Enantioselective synthesis of diarylmethanols by microbial reduction of corresponding diaryl ketones has been reported through various strains of Rhizopus arrhizus. The various physicochemical parameters for the bioreduction of diaryl ketones were optimized by taking p-chloro benzophenone as a model substrate. In order to study the potentiality of the microbe, the bioreduction of ,-unsaturated diaryl ketones viz. chalcones have been studied