-
Physio - Chemical Nutritional and Sensory Evaluation of Local Quince Fruit of Nomal Village, Gilgit - Baltistan, Pakistan
Nawazish Ali,
Yawar Abbas,
Attarad Ali,
Muhammad Shahnawaz,
Naveed Hussain,
Altaf Hussain
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 6, November 2015
Pages:
600-608
Received:
7 September 2015
Accepted:
21 September 2015
Published:
9 October 2015
Abstract: Quince fruit is a late season, non - climacteric fruit and not grown all over the world. Samples were collected from Nomal Village and Physio chemical Analysis were conducted and results of the samples after analysis are Total Soluble Solids (TSS), ash content, sugars (total sugars, reducing and non - reducing), total phenolics and ascorbic acid (12.36 0Brix), (3.36%), (9.63%), (5.26%), (4.36%), (15.70 mg GAE/100g), and (23.66 mg/100g Malic acid) respectively, were found high in sweet variety of Quince fruit as compared to sour variety (10.73 0Brix), (2.53%), (9.00%), (5.05%), (4.00%), and (7.70 mg GAE/100g) respectively and (20.33 mg/100g Malic acid) respectively, of which pH, moisture content, antioxidants and Titratable Acidity were statistically same in both varieties of Quince fruit. Physical attributes such as fruit thickness, fruit volume, fruit weight, pulp weight and sphericity (93.00 mm), (328.53 cm3), (335.00g) (331.00g) and (122.20%) respectively were recorded higher in sweet variety of Quince fruit compared to sour variety of Quince fruit (89.60), (285.40 cm3), (293.33g), (289.00g) and (103%) respectively, Geometric mean diameter and length (83.33mm), and (96.66mm) respectively were found high in sweet variety of Quince fruit compared to sour variety of Quince (73.33 mm), and (86.66mm) respectively, of which edible portion, seed and peel were statistically same in both varieties. Higher scores were assigned for taste, color, flavor and overall acceptability (7.333), (7.400), (8.266) and (8.366) respectively in sweet variety of Quince fruit as compared to sour variety of Quince fruit (6.233), (7.233), (7.266) and (7.166) respectively. However color scores of both varieties were statistically same.
Abstract: Quince fruit is a late season, non - climacteric fruit and not grown all over the world. Samples were collected from Nomal Village and Physio chemical Analysis were conducted and results of the samples after analysis are Total Soluble Solids (TSS), ash content, sugars (total sugars, reducing and non - reducing), total phenolics and ascorbic acid (1...
Show More
-
Determination Amount of Bisphenol A in Drugs and Water Drinking Container in Khartoum State, Sudan
Almoeiz Yousif Hammad,
Faris Mohamed Awad,
Warda Shukrat Alla Abdelgadir
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 6, November 2015
Pages:
609-612
Received:
8 August 2015
Accepted:
29 September 2015
Published:
15 October 2015
Abstract: In the early 1930s, the British biochemist Edward Charles Dodds tested BPA as an artificial estrogen, but found it to be 37,000 times less effective than estradiol. In this study, BPA concentration in µg/L was measured in different drugs and water sample randomly collected from Khartoum state, Sudan to be analyzed by using UV-Vis spectrophotometer instrument (Model – Shimadzu UV2450). The highest concentration was observed in eye and Eyre drops while the lost concentration found in normal saline infusion. Water sample not recorded any amount of BPA.
Abstract: In the early 1930s, the British biochemist Edward Charles Dodds tested BPA as an artificial estrogen, but found it to be 37,000 times less effective than estradiol. In this study, BPA concentration in µg/L was measured in different drugs and water sample randomly collected from Khartoum state, Sudan to be analyzed by using UV-Vis spectrophotometer ...
Show More
-
The Definition, Preparation and Application of Rhamnolipids as Biosurfactants
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 6, November 2015
Pages:
613-623
Received:
16 September 2015
Accepted:
13 October 2015
Published:
17 October 2015
Abstract: Rhamnolipids mainly are produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and another microorganism that have been found to have good surface activity. Rhamnolipids are used in various application areas, including environmental, health, food, cosmetic, oil industries, pharmaceuticals and environmental bio remediation particularly in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and cleaning of oil spills. Many kinds of bio surfactant such as, rhamnolipids are already being used in industry but it is important to develop indigenous technology for the production of rhamnolipids produced by the microorganisms of local origin which would be more suitable for the application to that specific areas. Rhamnolipids have several beneficial uses: they are easily degradable, nontoxic, nonmutagenic, and have the highest surface-tension-reduction index of any surface-tension reducing agent currently in use. In this review, I summarize the definition, preparation, properties, and the application in different areas especially in food and agriculture, and industrial potential of rhamnolipids, as the next generation of biosurfactants.
Abstract: Rhamnolipids mainly are produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and another microorganism that have been found to have good surface activity. Rhamnolipids are used in various application areas, including environmental, health, food, cosmetic, oil industries, pharmaceuticals and environmental bio remediation particularly in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) an...
Show More
-
Moringa oleifera “The Mother’s Best Friend”
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 6, November 2015
Pages:
624-630
Received:
26 September 2015
Accepted:
7 October 2015
Published:
20 October 2015
Abstract: This paper is a review of Moringa oleifera. It called “The Mother’s Best Friend” for its ability to increase milk production in nursing mother, is a highly nutritious and medicinal plant. Moringa leaves contains 7 x the Vitamin C of Oranges, 4 x the Calcium of Milk, 4 x the Vitamin A of Carrots, 3 x the Potassium of Bananas, and 2 x the Protein of Yogurt. Due to its highly nutritional value, this review is aimed at creating awareness of its nutritional, medicinal and general usage by consulting current literatures. However, research had shown that virtually all part of the plant contains different types of chemical with great biological functions. Some act as anti-oxidants in free radical scavenging, relieving the body of oxidative stress and cancer. Others possess anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic and diuretic properties. The list is inexhaustible. Many thanks to the numerous chemical composition of Moringa. The leaves contain quality protein that can compete with the likes of soybeans due to the fact that it contains all the essential amino acids in the right proportion. Carbohydrates, Vitamins, Minerals, Fatty acids (essential and non-essential), phytochemicals are in abundance. Many uses of Moringa had been reported. They serve as food for man and forage for animals, improving soil fertility, biogas production, cleaning agent, gum production, production of animal forage, pulp, and water purification among other uses. Moringa is a deciduous, perennial tree of height 10–12 m. It has the ability to survive different climatical conditions ranging from the rain forest zone to areas with little rainfall. They are propagated by seed and stem cuttings. It is a fast growing and evergreen plant.
Abstract: This paper is a review of Moringa oleifera. It called “The Mother’s Best Friend” for its ability to increase milk production in nursing mother, is a highly nutritious and medicinal plant. Moringa leaves contains 7 x the Vitamin C of Oranges, 4 x the Calcium of Milk, 4 x the Vitamin A of Carrots, 3 x the Potassium of Bananas, and 2 x the Protein of ...
Show More
-
Rheological Properties and Sugar Profile of a Maize-Based Complementary Food for Ugandan Children 12 to 23 Months of Age
Joel Tumwebaze,
Peter Gichuhi,
Vijay Rangari,
Alfred Tcherbi-Narieh,
Adelia Bovell-Benjamin
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 6, November 2015
Pages:
631-638
Received:
18 June 2015
Accepted:
10 July 2015
Published:
21 October 2015
Abstract: In this study, the rheological properties and sugar profiles of a maize-based (maize flour, sweet potato leaf and root flour) complementary food for 12 to 23 month-old Ugandan children were evaluated. Two foods were formulated. Treatment 1 (T1) was made of 70% maize meal, 15% sweet potato root flour and 15% sweet potato leaf flour, while Treatment 2 (T2) consisted of 70% maize meal, 20% sweetpotato root flour and 10% sweetpotato leaf flour. Both formulations had equal amounts of sugar, oil and added water. The viscosity of the complementary foods was determined at 45oC by two different methods (rheometer and line spread test). The viscosity decreased with increasing temperature for all the samples. The viscosity at 45°C for the Control, T1 and T2 were 1.35, 1.96 and 0.86 Pa, respectively. There were significantly (P <0.05) different line spread measurements among the samples; however, the control sample flowed the greatest distance. The highest level of sugarswas found in T2 (5.1±2.7 g/100g) versus the control, which had the least amount of total sugar (2.9±1.6 g/100g). Supplementation of a maize-based complementary food with sweetpotato root and sweet potato leaf flours improves the viscosity and sugar profile.
Abstract: In this study, the rheological properties and sugar profiles of a maize-based (maize flour, sweet potato leaf and root flour) complementary food for 12 to 23 month-old Ugandan children were evaluated. Two foods were formulated. Treatment 1 (T1) was made of 70% maize meal, 15% sweet potato root flour and 15% sweet potato leaf flour, while Treatment ...
Show More
-
An Energiser with Herbal Extracts, Creatine and Collagen to Prevent Post-Exercise Fatigue
Kwok-pui Fung,
Clara Bik-san Lau,
Ellie Suet-yee Pang,
William King-fai Cheng,
Chun-kwok Wong,
Ping-chung Leung
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 6, November 2015
Pages:
639-643
Received:
21 September 2015
Accepted:
9 October 2015
Published:
24 October 2015
Abstract: Physical exercises are important for maintaining physical strength and general health state, particularly for the senior citizens. However, after strenuous exercises, the feeling of intense fatigue is also particularly common among the elderlies, who might be discouraged to persist on the physical trainings. Post exercise fatigue is in fact manifestations of “Oxidative Stress” resulting from the accumulation of metabolites produced during active muscular activities and micro damages. If the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) found in the skeletal muscles, blood and lipids, enhanced by the presence of free radicals during heavy exercises, can be reduced, “Oxidative Stress” could be alleviated. We intend to produce an “energizer”, that nor only help to decrease “Oxidative Stress”, but also provide essential nutritional support to the muscles as well as longer term joint space integrities. Verbascoside containing herb was chosen to be the antioxidant to release “Oxidative Stress”. Creatine was the nutritive agent for muscle repair and collagen (related to Glucosamine) was added to provide cartilage support. The “energizer” was put to a properly planned clinical trial involving healthy young men. The study was designed as a randomized, double blinded cross-over study. All participants randomly consumed the energizer, collagen powder or creatine monohydrate for 14 days with a wash-out period interval for at least on month. On day 15 the participants completed one bout of well calibrated motor-driven treadmill exercise. Monitoring consisted of heart rate, and blood samples for the measurements of oxidative stress biomarkers, and muscle soreness. Creatine Kinase was measured in the subsequent recovery days. Results showed that the “energizer” produced a decreasing trend in the metabolites of proteins, DNA and lipids, and muscle soreness significantly decreased and during the three recovery days, Creatine Kinase activity sharply decreased, compared with the taking of collagen or creatine alone. In conclusion, the positive result supports the expectation that the “energiser” could be safely used as an exercise supplement for the prevention of after exercise fatigue.
Abstract: Physical exercises are important for maintaining physical strength and general health state, particularly for the senior citizens. However, after strenuous exercises, the feeling of intense fatigue is also particularly common among the elderlies, who might be discouraged to persist on the physical trainings. Post exercise fatigue is in fact manifes...
Show More
-
Mayonnaise Increases the Relative Bioavailability of Fat-Soluble (Non)-Nutrients from a Salad
Fernanda de Oliveira Martins,
Robin van den Berg,
Anne-Roos Hoogenraad,
Ewoud Schuring,
Carole Verhoeven,
Oscar Giese Laverdy Neto,
Raul Cavalcante Maranhao,
Petra Verhoef
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 6, November 2015
Pages:
644-649
Received:
2 October 2015
Accepted:
15 October 2015
Published:
28 October 2015
Abstract: Vegetables are good sources of vitamins. For that reason the World Health Organisation recommends daily consumption of at least 200g of vegetables. However, this requirement is met only partially worldwide. Increasing the bioavailability of fat-soluble (non)-nutrients could make intake of those sources more effective. Here, the hypothesis was tested whether this goal can be achieved by adding mayonnaise to a dressing for a salad. Nine healthy subjects (28.7±4.7 years old, BMI of 26.7±2.1 kg/m2) consumed a salad either with a basic dressing (control) or a basic dressing with mayonnaise (test). After both interventions, α-carotene, β-carotene, vitamin K1 and retinyl palmitate were measured in chylomicron-rich plasma fractions. The average relative bioavailability (-95% CI, +95% CI) was +80% (-3%, 232%) for α-carotene (P=0.0591), +91% (22%, 200%) for β-carotene (P=0.0118), and +116% (5%, 344%) for vitamin K1 (P=0.0392). Retinyl palmitate AUC’s increased by 117% (39%, 242%) (P=0.0039), hence bioconversion of pro-vitamin A to retinol doubled. In conclusion, addition of mayonnaise to a dressing for a salad increased the uptake of the (non)-nutrients analysed in this study. Therefore, adding mayonnaise may be an interesting dietary approach to improve the nutritive value of vegetables, which are frequently under-consumed.
Abstract: Vegetables are good sources of vitamins. For that reason the World Health Organisation recommends daily consumption of at least 200g of vegetables. However, this requirement is met only partially worldwide. Increasing the bioavailability of fat-soluble (non)-nutrients could make intake of those sources more effective. Here, the hypothesis was teste...
Show More
-
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Dietary and Lifestyle Habits Among Medical Students in King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia
Eman Mokbel Alissa,
Hend Alsawadi,
Asma Zedan,
Dalya Alqarni,
Maria Bakry,
Nojoud Bin Hli
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 6, November 2015
Pages:
650-655
Received:
8 October 2015
Accepted:
16 October 2015
Published:
28 October 2015
Abstract: Knowing the medical students' knowledge, attitude and practices of nutritional and lifestyle habits helps to enhance the nutrition of the community, which will consequently lead to a healthier society, as they will constitute the main body of future physicians and professionals. We aimed to evaluate their nutrition knowledge, their eating habits and overall perception regarding importance of healthy eating habits of medical students of King Abdulaziz University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study included 200 students between ages 19-24 years from basic and clinical levels in the faculty of medicine. A self-reported questionnaire was employed to assess perceived attitude and barriers to healthy practices by the study participants. Overall most medical students were aware of the importance of healthy eating habits yet they were not practicing it adequately in their daily life. Improving nutrition knowledge, attitude and dietary practices through nutritional education may help to prevent many nutrition-related diseases.
Abstract: Knowing the medical students' knowledge, attitude and practices of nutritional and lifestyle habits helps to enhance the nutrition of the community, which will consequently lead to a healthier society, as they will constitute the main body of future physicians and professionals. We aimed to evaluate their nutrition knowledge, their eating habits an...
Show More
-
Efficient Methods for Polyphenol Oxidase Production
Kamal-Alahmad,
Mohammed Abdalbasit A. Gasmalla,
Hala Alyousef
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 6, November 2015
Pages:
656-659
Received:
12 October 2015
Accepted:
21 October 2015
Published:
3 November 2015
Abstract: Polyphenol oxidases are enzymes that catalyze the oxidation of certain phenolic substrates to quinones in the presence of molecular oxygen. Polyphenol oxidases are widely used in several applications. In food industry, they are used for enhancement of flavor in coffee, tea and cocoa production, and determination of food quality. In medicine, they have several uses in treatments of Parkinson’s disease, phenlyketonurea and leukemia. In wastewater treatment, they are used for the removal of phenolic pollutants from wastewaters. In pharmaceutical industry differentiation of morphine from codeine is possible by means of polyphenol oxidase immobilized electrodes. Although many details about structure and probably function of PPO have been revealed in this review.
Abstract: Polyphenol oxidases are enzymes that catalyze the oxidation of certain phenolic substrates to quinones in the presence of molecular oxygen. Polyphenol oxidases are widely used in several applications. In food industry, they are used for enhancement of flavor in coffee, tea and cocoa production, and determination of food quality. In medicine, they h...
Show More
-
Characterization of Physical, Thermal and Spectral Properties of Biofield Treated Date Palm Callus Initiation Medium
Mahendra Kumar Trivedi,
Alice Branton,
Dahryn Trivedi,
Gopal Nayak,
Rakesh Kumar Mishra,
Snehasis Jana
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 6, November 2015
Pages:
660-668
Received:
11 October 2015
Accepted:
21 October 2015
Published:
14 November 2015
Abstract: The date palm is mainly cultivated for the production of sweet fruit. Date palm callus initiation medium (DPCIM) is used for plant tissue culture applications. The present work is intended to evaluate the impact of Mr. Trivedi’s biofield energy treatment on physical, thermal and spectral properties of the DPCIM. The control and treated DPCIM were evaluated by various analytical techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, particle size analyzer (PSA), surface area analyzer and ultra violet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis) analysis. The XRD analysis revealed a decrease in intensity of XRD peaks of the treated sample as compared to the control. The crystallite size of the treated DPCIM (81.02 nm) was decreased with respect to the control sample (84.99 nm). The DSC analysis showed a slight decrease in melting temperature of the treated sample. Additionally, the latent heat of fusion of treated sample was changed by 45.66% as compared to the control sample. The TGA analysis showed an increase in onset degradation temperature of the treated sample (182ºC) as compared to the control sample (142ºC). This indicated the increase in thermal stability of the treated DPCIM. PSA results demonstrated an increase in average particle size (d50) and size showed by 99% of particles (d99) by 19.2 and 40.4%, respectively as compared to the control sample. The surface area analyzer showed a decrease in surface area of treated DPCIM by 13.4%, which was well supported by the particle size results. UV spectra of the treated sample showed the disappearance of absorption peak 261 nm in treated sample as compared to the control. Overall, the result showed that biofield energy treatment has a paramount influence on physical, thermal and spectral properties of DPCIM. Therefore, it is assumed that biofield treated DPCIM could be used as a better medium for plant tissue culture applications.
Abstract: The date palm is mainly cultivated for the production of sweet fruit. Date palm callus initiation medium (DPCIM) is used for plant tissue culture applications. The present work is intended to evaluate the impact of Mr. Trivedi’s biofield energy treatment on physical, thermal and spectral properties of the DPCIM. The control and treated DPCIM were e...
Show More
-
Effects of Peeling Methods on Mineral Content of Potato and Development of Potato Based Biscuit
Mohammad Atikur Rahman,
Mohammad Aslam Ali,
S. M. Kamrul Hasan,
Manobendro Sarker
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 6, November 2015
Pages:
669-675
Received:
10 September 2015
Accepted:
7 October 2015
Published:
14 November 2015
Abstract: An attempt was taken to select the effective peeling methods of potatoes based on mineral content and to formulate biscuits using potato flour as a partial substitute of wheat flour. The potatoes were collected and washed with water thoroughly to remove adhered dirt and soil. Fresh potatoes (P1), potatoes peeled before boiling (P2) and potatoes peeled after boiling (P3) were analyzed for mineral content. Significant (p<0.05) effect of peeling treatment on mineral content was observed in this study. However, potato with peel was scored with highest mineral content namely Calcium (9.40mg/100g), Magnesium (21.6mg/100g), Potassium (413.91mg/100g), Phosphorus (60.57mg/100g), Iron (0.78µg/100g) and Zinc (0.29µg/100g) among samples. On the basis of mineral content, potato with peel was selected to produce potato flour to replace wheat flour partially in preparing nutritionally enriched biscuit. Potato flour was blended with wheat flour in ratio of 3:17, 1:3 and 7:13 in preparation of biscuits with maintaining all other ingredients constant. The prepared biscuits were evaluated for sensory quality by Hedonic Rating Test. The sensory evaluation revealed that the biscuits prepared using 25 percent potato flour were almost equally acceptable as control biscuits and secured the score for overall acceptability (7.20) and ranked as ‘like very much’. Biscuits prepared using 35 percent potato flour secured the lowest score (5.20) in term of overall acceptability and was unacceptable to the panelist. To ensure adequate minerals, the use of potato flour to substitute wheat flour up to 25% level is advocated.
Abstract: An attempt was taken to select the effective peeling methods of potatoes based on mineral content and to formulate biscuits using potato flour as a partial substitute of wheat flour. The potatoes were collected and washed with water thoroughly to remove adhered dirt and soil. Fresh potatoes (P1), potatoes peeled before boiling (P2) and potatoes pee...
Show More
-
Management of Arsenicosis by Intake of Proper Foods and Vitamin C Supplementation
A. K. B. Zaman,
Md Fazlul Haque
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 6, November 2015
Pages:
676-680
Received:
28 September 2015
Accepted:
11 October 2015
Published:
19 November 2015
Abstract: Arsenicosis, a disease caused by toxicity of arsenic, has been reported as a severe global health threat for the millions of peoples who are bound to use arsenic contaminated ground water as the main source of drinking water. Arsenicosis can be managed by using synthetic remedies. But, most of these synthetic remedies have side effect and/or are costly for the people of poor countries where arsenicosis is more prevalent. Hence, research on an alternative strategy for management of arsenicosis is important for public health. In this study, as a strategy to manage arsenicosis, a diet regime containing proper foods and vitamin C supplementation was suggested to follow for six months by arsenicosis patients who were selected from three study areas located in northwestern districts (Nawabganj and Rajshahi) of Bangladesh. It was found that the suggested diet regime can cause significant reduction of urinary arsenic excretion, enhancement of blood hemoglobin level, and improvement of keratosis condition in investigated arsenicosis patients after following the diet regime for six months, indicating a positive role of diet regime on betterment of health condition of arsenicosis patients.
Abstract: Arsenicosis, a disease caused by toxicity of arsenic, has been reported as a severe global health threat for the millions of peoples who are bound to use arsenic contaminated ground water as the main source of drinking water. Arsenicosis can be managed by using synthetic remedies. But, most of these synthetic remedies have side effect and/or are co...
Show More
-
Evaluation of Trace Metal Contents of Three Local Spices on Accra Markets
Akwasi Akomeah Agyekum,
Felicia Akuamoa,
Isaac Delali Kottoh,
Isaac Kwabena Asare,
John Opoku Danquah,
Daniel Armah
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 6, November 2015
Pages:
681-687
Received:
4 September 2015
Accepted:
30 September 2015
Published:
3 December 2015
Abstract: The minerals content of three spices Eugenia caryophyllata, Xylopia aethiopica and Aframomum melegueta from open markets in Accra were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) procedures. Accuracy and precision of the method was evaluated by the certified reference material, NIST SRM 1573a Tomato Leaves. There were differences in essential metal concentrations in the three local spices under the study. The levels of essential trace elements in the three local spices were; Cu 0.006–0.012 mg/kg, Zn: 0.011–0.032mg/kg for, Mn: 0.087–0.368 mg/kg, Iron: 0.06–0.116 mg/kg, Mg: 0.032–3.317 mg/kg, Ca: 0.271–5.746 mg/kg, and Na: 0.019–3.889 mg/ kg for sodium. Significant differences were found in the levels of essential trace elements in Eugenia caryophyllata, Xylopia aethiopica and Aframomum melegueta.
Abstract: The minerals content of three spices Eugenia caryophyllata, Xylopia aethiopica and Aframomum melegueta from open markets in Accra were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) procedures. Accuracy and precision of the method was evaluated by the certified reference material, NIST SRM 1573a Tomato Leaves. There were differences in essen...
Show More
-
Evaluation of Vegetative Growth Parameters in Biofield Treated Bottle Gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) and Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus)
Mahendra Kumar Trivedi,
Alice Branton,
Dahryn Trivedi,
Gopal Nayak,
Mayank Gangwar,
Snehasis Jana
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 6, November 2015
Pages:
688-694
Received:
19 October 2015
Accepted:
9 November 2015
Published:
21 December 2015
Abstract: The objective of the study was to assess the growth contributing characters of biofield treated bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) and okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) seeds. The seeds of both crops were divided into two groups, one was kept aside and denoted as untreated, while the other group was subjected biofield energy treatment. The variabilities in growth contributing parameters were studied and compared with their control. Further the level of glutathione (GSH) in okra leaves, along with DNA fingerprinting in bottle gourd were analyzed using RAPD method. After germination, the plants of bottle gourd were reported to be strong and erect with better canopy as compared with the control. The vegetative growth of okra plants after biofield energy treatment was found to be stout with small canopy, strong steam, and more fruits per nodes, that contributed high yield as compared with the control. However, endogenous level of GSH in the leaves of okra was increased by 47.65% as compared to the untreated group, which may suggest an improved immunity of okra crops. Besides, the DNA fingerprinting data, showed polymorphism (42%) between treated and untreated samples of bottle gourd. The overall results suggest that the biofield energy treatment on bottle gourd and okra seeds, results an improved overall growth of plant and yield, which may enhance flowering and fruiting per plant. Study results conclude that the biofield energy treatment could be an alternate method to improve the crop yield in agricultural science.
Abstract: The objective of the study was to assess the growth contributing characters of biofield treated bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) and okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) seeds. The seeds of both crops were divided into two groups, one was kept aside and denoted as untreated, while the other group was subjected biofield energy treatment. The variabilitie...
Show More
-
Quality Evaluation of Yogurt Supplemented with Fruit Pulp (Banana, Papaya, and Water Melon)
Debashis Kumar Dutta Roy,
Tanny Saha,
Moriom Akter,
Mojaffor Hosain,
Habiba Khatun,
Manik Chandra Roy
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 6, November 2015
Pages:
695-699
Received:
8 December 2015
Accepted:
21 December 2015
Published:
4 January 2016
Abstract: Fruit yogurts with three different fruit pulps (banana, papaya and watermelon) at a ratio of 5%, 10% and 15% were prepared and stored at refrigeration condition for 15 days to study the physico-chemical and organoleptic changes over storage period. Addition of fruit pulp significantly (p<0.05) affected the physico-chemical and sensorial properties of fresh yogurt samples. Low synersis value with better textural quality were found in fruit yogurt samples compared with the control sample at refrigerated storage condition. Addition of 15% banana pulp resulted in lowest synersis in yogurt among all treatments. Papaya yogurt with all ratios were found most accepted, whereas watermelon yogurt samples were found least preferred to panelists at the end of storage period. Yogurt with maximum 15% fruit pulp, and especially papaya fruit could be recommended for large scale production of fruit yogurt.
Abstract: Fruit yogurts with three different fruit pulps (banana, papaya and watermelon) at a ratio of 5%, 10% and 15% were prepared and stored at refrigeration condition for 15 days to study the physico-chemical and organoleptic changes over storage period. Addition of fruit pulp significantly (p...
Show More
-
Protein Evaluation of Foods
Malomo Olu,
Alamu Ezekiel Adediran
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 6, November 2015
Pages:
700-706
Received:
25 July 2015
Accepted:
21 August 2015
Published:
8 January 2016
Abstract: The measurement of protein quality is usually non-specific, that is, if one compares this with the assay for minerals, one would find that in the case of minerals, a specific substance is being measured. However, with proteins, the quality depends on the quantity of at least 9 amino acids. The quality of the protein depends on the balance among the respective amino acids, on which the utilisation of the protein depends. As a result, the different methods of protein evaluation give different results for the nutritive value.
Abstract: The measurement of protein quality is usually non-specific, that is, if one compares this with the assay for minerals, one would find that in the case of minerals, a specific substance is being measured. However, with proteins, the quality depends on the quantity of at least 9 amino acids. The quality of the protein depends on the balance among the...
Show More
-
Dietary Practice and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women in Gondar Town North West, Ethiopia, 2014
Mekonnen Sisay Alemayehu,
Endalamaw Mengesha Tesema
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 6, November 2015
Pages:
707-712
Received:
28 July 2015
Accepted:
12 August 2015
Published:
25 January 2016
Abstract: Proper food and good nutrition are essential for survival, physical growth, mental development, performance and productivity, health and well-being. Pregnancy is a critical phase in a woman's life, when the expectant mother needs optimal nutrients of superior food qualities to support the developing fetus. The objective of this study was to assess the dietary practice and associated factors among pregnant women in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia. Community based cross sectional study was undertaken from March to April 2014 in Gondar town. The data were collected by using interviewer aided questionnaire and were analyzed using SPSS windows version (16.0). Multiple logistic regression was run to assess factors associated with the dependent variable at P<0.05 and to control the confounders. This study showed that good dietary practice was found to be 40.1% (95% CI: 36.1-44.3%) during pregnancy. Mothers education, monthly income, nutrition information and dietary knowledge had a positive significant with pregnant mothers’ dietary practices (P<0.001). As dietary practices of pregnant mothers were relatively low in this study, the government in collaboration and a strong integration with concerned bodies should be focused on providing nutritional education to increase the practices of pregnant mothers on maternal nutrition during pregnancy.
Abstract: Proper food and good nutrition are essential for survival, physical growth, mental development, performance and productivity, health and well-being. Pregnancy is a critical phase in a woman's life, when the expectant mother needs optimal nutrients of superior food qualities to support the developing fetus. The objective of this study was to assess ...
Show More
-
Household Food Insecurity Coping Strategies in Bungoma County, Kenya
Mary Stella Wabwoba,
Jacob Wanambacha Wakhungu,
Stanley Omuterema
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 6, November 2015
Pages:
713-716
Received:
29 November 2015
Accepted:
8 December 2015
Published:
19 February 2016
Abstract: Fighting hunger in a changing world demands that we stay vigilant in the way we obtain and share information that is critical for designing and implementing hunger strategies. Lack of Food in any country in the world is of great concern. For a long time Kenya government has strived to be food sufficient but all in vain. Research reports indicate that fifteen million Kenyans are food insecure with three million in constant need of food relief. For many years, the Kenya Government has strived to achieve food security through implementation of projects and security initiatives across all counties, but Bungoma county residents are still food insecure. People in Bungoma used varying coping strategies to mitigate hunger but cases of insufficient food were many. The study was done in Bungoma County and it aimed at evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of food insecurity coping strategies used by households. Questionnaires, interview schedules and group discussions were used to collect data. The collected data was subjected to chi-square test analysis and ranked using Spearman rank order correlation. From the research, it was found that the coping strategies which people used were effective but not sufficient. Based on the findings, we recommend use of multidimensional Strategic approach to food insecurity and should involve all food security stakeholders to ensure sustainability.
Abstract: Fighting hunger in a changing world demands that we stay vigilant in the way we obtain and share information that is critical for designing and implementing hunger strategies. Lack of Food in any country in the world is of great concern. For a long time Kenya government has strived to be food sufficient but all in vain. Research reports indicate th...
Show More
