Development and optimization of a HPLC-RI method for the determination of major sugars in apple juice and evaluation of the effect of the ripening stage

The sugars in apple juice prove its authenticity and its sensory and nutritional properties. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a simple analytical method using high performance liquid chromatography with refractive index detection (HPLC-RI) to determinate and quantify the sugars sucrose, D-glucose, D-fructose, and D-sorbitol polyol in apple juices, as well as to analyze the juices from the Fuji suprema and Lis Gala cultivars at three ripening stages. The analytical performance parameters evaluated indicated that the method was specific for the compounds analyzed, and the linearity of the calibration curves of sugars showed high correlation coefficients (close to 1.0). The limits of detection and quantification are consistent with recommendations available in the literature for this type of matrix. Sample preparation is simple and generates small amount of residues. Over 70% of the sugars were determined in the juices of apples at the pre-ripe stage, with an increase during senescence. This method is applicable for the determination of sugars in juices and evaluation of apple ripening.

Optimization of the extraction process of polyphenols from cashew apple agro-industrial residues

The goal of this study was to determine the chemical composition of cashew apples agro-industrial residue and optimize the process of polyphenols extraction in this residue. The extraction process conditions were defined using a 24-1 fractional factorial experimental design using acetone and methanol as solvents. The independent variables were: time (30 to 90 min), temperature (30 to 50 °C), solvent concentrations (50% to 90%), agitation speed (100 to 300 rpm); the dependent variables were: total phenolic content and DPPH scavenging capacity. The optimized process was carried out by applying the Central Composite Rotational Design (CCRD) considering the results obtained with the 24-1 fractional factorial experimental design. The residue presented bioactive compounds in its composition, with emphasis on the content of total phenolic compounds (1975.64 mg/ 100 g). The extraction process was not affected by methanol; however, acetone affected the amounts of extracted phytochemicals. Extracts with high levels of polyphenols and strong DPPH scavenging capacity (> 80%) were obtained using 55% acetone, 30 minutes, 30 °C, and 150 rpm. The results showed that cashew apple residue is a potential natural source of bioactive compounds with strong antioxidant capacity. These compounds could be used partially or totally to replace synthetic antioxidants.

Energy efficiency and moisture diffusivity of apple slices during convective drying

Abstract The present study aimed at investigating the influences of drying air temperature and flow rate on energy parameters and dehydration behaviour of apple slices. For this purpose, apple slices were dried in a convective dryer at air temperatures of 50, 60 and 70 °C, and air velocities of 1, 1.5 and 2 m s–1. Dehydration rate increased as the air temperature and flow rate increased from 50 to 70 °C and 1 to 2 m s–1, respectively. The effective moisture diffusivity was determined to be in the range of 6.75×10–10-1.28×10–9 m2 s–1. Results of data analysis showed that the maximum energy consumption (23.94 kW h) belonged to 50 °C and 2 m s–1 and the minimum (13.89 kW h) belonged to 70 °C and 1 m s–1 treatment. Energy efficiency values were in the range of 2.87-9.11%. Moreover, the results indicated that any increment in the air temperature increases thermal and drying efficiencies while any increment in the air flow rate decreases both of them.

An HPLC method for simultaneous determination of residual benomyl and MBC on apple foliage without cleanup

A simple High Performance Liquid Chromatograph (HPLC) method has been developed to identify benamyl (methyl 1- (butylcarbamoyl)-2-benzimidazole carbamate) and MBC (methyl 2-benzimidazole carbamat~ residues on apple leaves without cleanup. Sample leaves are freeze dried in a Mason jar and residues are then extracted by tumbling them in chloroform containing 5,000 microgram per milliliter of n-propyl isocyanate (PIC) at 10 C. To the extract, n-butyl isocyanate (BIC) was added at 5,000 microgram per milliliter and 20 microliter of this mixture injected onto the HPLC system. Separation is accomplished by the use of a Brownlee LiChrosorb silica gel column with a guard column and' operated with a mixed mobile phase consisting of chloroform and hexane (4:1) saturated with water. MBC, a degradation product of benomyl is identified if present as methyl l-(npropyl carbamoyl)-2-benzimidazole carbamate (MBC-n-PIC). Both benomyl and MBC-n-PIC can be detected with aKUltraviolet (UV) detector (280nm) at a concentration as low as 0.2 microgram per milliliter in apple leaves. The fate of benomyl on apple foliage after spray application of benomyl (Ben late 50 per cent wettable powder) was investigated by the method thus described. Benomyl quickly dissipated during the first 3-7 days, but the dissipatio'n sltowed down thereafter. In contrast, the concentration of MBC in leaves gradually increased after repeated applications of Benlate.

Studies on the Quality of Rainwater at Various Land Use Locations and Variations by Interaction with Domestic Rainwater Harvesting Systems

The present study focused on the quality of rainwater at various land use locations and its variations on interaction with various domestic rainwater harvesting systems.Sampling sites were selected based upon the land use pattern of the locations and were classified as rural, urban, industrial and sub urban. Rainwater samples were collected from the south west monsoon of May 2007 to north east monsoon of October 2008, from four sampling sites namely Kothamangalam, Emakulam, Eloor and Kalamassery, in Ernakulam district of the State of Kerala, which characterized typical rural, urban, industrial and suburban locations respectively. Rain water samples at various stages of harvesting were also collected. The samples were analyzed according to standard procedures and their physico-chemical and microbiological parameters were determined. The variations of the chemical composition of the rainwater collected were studied using statistical methods. It was observed that 17.5%, 30%, 45.8% and 12.1% of rainwater samples collected at rural, urban, industrial and suburban locations respectively had pH less than 5.6, which is considered as the pH of cloud water at equilibrium with atmospheric CO,.Nearly 46% of the rainwater samples were in acidic range in the industrial location while it was only 17% in the rural location. Multivariate statistical analysls was done using Principal Component Analysis, and the sources that inf1uence the composition of rainwater at each locations were identified .which clearly indicated that the quality of rain water is site specific and represents the atmospheric characteristics of the free fall The quality of harvested rainwater showed significant variations at different stages of harvesting due to deposition of dust from the roof catchment surface, leaching of cement constituents etc. Except the micro biological quality, the harvested rainwater satisfied the Indian Standard guide lines for drinking water. Studies conducted on the leaching of cement constituents in water concluded that tanks made with ordinary portland cement and portland pozzolana cement could be safely used for storage of rain water.

Studies on Energy Requirement and Conservation in Selected Fish Harvesting Systems

Present work deals with the studies on energy requirement and convervation in selected fish harvesting systems.Modem fishing is one of the most energy intensive methods of food production. Fossil fuels used for motorised and mechanised fishing are nonrenewable and limited. Most of the environmental problems that confront mankind today are connected to the use of energy in one way or another. Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (FAO, 1995) highlights the need for efficient use of energy in the fisheries sector. Information on energy requirement in different fish harvesting systems, based on the principles of energy analysis, is entirely lacking in respect of Indian fisheries. Such an analysis will provide an unbiased decision making support for maximising the yield per unit of non-renewable energy use, from different fishery resource systems, by rational deployment of harvesting systems. In the present study, results of investigations conducted during 1997-2000 on energy requirement in selected fish harvesting systems and approaches to energy conservation in fishing, are presented along with a detailed description of the fish harvesting systems and their operation. The content of the thesis is organised into 8 Chapters.

Spatial and harvesting influence on growth, yield, quality and economic potential of Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata Wall Ex. Nees)

Andrographis paniculata, commonly known as Kalmegh, is used both in Ayurvedic and Unani system of medicines because of its immunological, antibacterial and hepatoprotective properties. This study was carried out to investigate the influence of four harvesting times (120,135,150 days after planting and at seed maturity) and four planting distances (30×15, 30×10, 20×15 and 20×10 cm) on growth, dry herbage biomass, seed yield and quality traits of Andrographis paniculata at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, India in the two years 2005 and 2006. The treatments were laid out in a split plot design with three replications. The maximum values for dry herbage biomass yield (5.14 t ha^(-1)), net returns (760.00 EUR ha^(-1)), B:C ratio (2.59), andrographolide content (2.63%) and total yield (135.00 kg ha^(-1)) were detected 135 days after planting with an optimum planting distance of 30×15 cm. However, the maximum iron content was estimated 120 days after planting. The highest dry herbage (4.58 t ha^(-1)) and maximum seed yield (19.7 kg ha^(-1)) were registered at plants that were lined out with a distance of 20×10 cm.

Happy growers! Relationship quality in the German organic apple chain

Relational factors between supply chain actors have been acknowledged to contribute significantly to competitiveness. With the example of the German market for organic apples the suitability of the concept of the Relational View for explaining competitiveness was investigated. Structured interviews were conducted with selected actors of the supply chain. Actors at all levels of the supply chain proved to be highly committed and described their business relations as satisfying and trustful. Strong vertical and horizontal collaboration was found. Thus, the Relational View proved to be highly suitable to explain competitiveness in the market for organic apples.

Tools to use when writing a thesis using Word 2011 (for Apple computers)

A collection of videos on time saving features when using MS Word 2011 to write a thesis. Learn how to use styles, make table of contents, make table of figures, use the document map, use the browse object tool and keep a count of the words in your file and many more useful features of Word 2011. Word 2011 is for Apple computers, there is a collection of similar video for use with the PC version Word 2010.

University of Southampton thesis template for use with MS Word 2003 (PC) and 2004 (Apple)

This template is for use with both Word 2003 (PC) and Word 2004 (Apple Mac). It provides a structure and format that meets with the University's Quality requirements for a thesis. The template has mirror margins set up to allow for double-sided printing. It is not compulsory to use the template when writing a thesis. but it's use will make your thesis well presented and should save you a lot of time and effort. Since Office 2003/2004 are no longer the supported versions of Office used at the University there are no supporting videos.

Creating a Table of Contents to cover only part of a file's content using MS Word 2011 for Apple computers

A Table of Contents can be tweaked so that it picks up the content from only part of a file (such as an Appendix). This video shows you how to make such a change to a Table of Contents that is based upon Heading Styles. For best viewing Download the video.

An introduction to applying styles in the University's thesis template using MS Word 2011 for Apple computers

Keeping formatting consistent is made easy by using Styles and they allow you to change the look of the text formatting throughout your file with a few clicks. This video shows how to apply styles in a MS Word 2011 file. Using Heading styles also allow you to make the most out of Word’s Navigation Pane and Table of Contents features – watch our videos on those too! For best viewing Download the video.

Using the Normal and Quotation styles in the University's thesis template in MS Word 2011 (for Apple computers)

The Normal style is used for all your standard paragraphs of text in the thesis and also provides the underlying formatting attributes for other styles. Learn how to use this style. The Quotation style is used to indicate text that it being quoted in your thesis, see how to use this style. For best viewing Download the video.