Extension and partial optimization of a modified Smith predictor and controller for unstable processes with time delay

Extension and partial parameter optimization are applied to a modified Smith predictor and controller, designed by de Paor( 1985) for a class of unstable processes having transfer functions of the form k₁A exp(—sT)/B, where A is a monic, Hurwitz polynomial of degree (n — l) and the nth degree monic polynomial B has a single right half-plane root at s=λ It is found that for l = 1,2,3 asymptotic stability can be achieved for λ T> 1, which more than doubles the best result obtained earlier. For a specific process, responses are compared with those obtained using the optimum stability PI controller of de Paor and O'Malley (1989). The advantages of the optimized, modified predictor in terms of tightness of control and faster settling time are highlighted     

A Comparison of Methods for Polyuronide Methoxyl Determination

A comparison was made between three basic methods for determining methoxyl (OMe) groups in a polyuronide, viz., step-wise oxidation-reduction initiated by hydriodic acid, neutralization of de-esterified carboxyl groups with potassium hydroxide, and direct combustion of methanol by gas chromatography. Accuracy and precision of the methods were ascertained by analyzing methyl fuorate. All the methods were accurate. The neutralization and gas chromatographic methods had major advantages of simplicity and shortness of time of completion over the hydriodic acid/bromine method. Dimethylsulfoxide in the the saponification medium had no special effect.     

Microstructure of Whey Protein Isolate Gels Containing Emulsified Butterfat Droplets

The effects of concentration and droplet size of anhydrous butterfat globules on the microstructure of heat-induced whey protein isolate gels (pH 4.60) were studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). All fat globules were emulsified with whey protein isolate and incorporated into the system prior to gelation. Protein aggregates became more closely packed as whey protein concentration was increased from 8 to 15% by weight in gels without added fat. There was no notable change in overall gel microstructure upon addition of fat globules, up to 25% by weight, when viewed by scanning electron microscopy. However, it appeared fat globules were intimately associated with the gel protein matrix. A twofold difference in fat globule size was obvious by TEM. Clusters of droplets became more predominant as butterfat content increased.     

Contribution of Indigenous Knowledge and Practices in Food Technology to the Attainment of Food Security in Africa

ABSTRACT: Indigenous knowledge and practices are important aspects of a society's culture and its technology. They include accumulated knowledge, as well as skills and technology of the local people, usually derived from their direct interaction with their local environment. These aspects need due recognition and full understanding and utilization because of the valuable contributions to food security, especially in African communities.Africa's people have traditionally utilized indigenous knowledge, skills and structures, most often locally developed and handed down in the course of centuries. Insufficient attention has been given to this local knowledge within the mainstream food security development and management interventions. However, there is now increasing awareness of the fact that technology includes not only energy sources and tools, but also knowledge and skills, as well as social organizations. It is, therefore, imperative to approach indigenous communities as partners and collaborators in all food security endeavors in order to realize the objective of sustainability. African communities offer a vast array of indigenous knowledge and practices in food technology that are favorable to the food supply, as well as to food quality and food safety and thus directly contribute to food security. As such, indigenous knowledge and practices in food technology that have proved capable of ensuring food security need to be implemented before considering the introduction of external ones if food security is to be realized in Africa. Emphasis of the same should be especially made for foods that are adapted to local conditions thus improving food access, safe food availability, and utilization to meet local and regional needs. This paper seeks to outline the numerous contributions and enormous potentials that indigenous knowledge and practices in food technology have in ensuring food security in Africa.     

Temperature Affects Astringency Removal and Recurrence in Persimmon

Astringency was removed from‘Triumph’persimmons by immersion in water at 40°C for 5 hr or 60°C, for 1 hr. Similar treatments at 20° and 80°C, had no effect on astringency reduction. Subsequent application of 80% CO₂ for 48 hr was effective for 20°C-treated fruit but not for 80° C-treated fruit, which became nonastringent only after exposure to acetaldehyde. Extending the 60°C treatment beyond 2 hr resulted in recurrence of astringency, which was not reduced by subsequent CO₂ treatment. Astringency also recurred in CO₂-treated non-astringent fruit, when exposed to high temperatures. The disappearance and recurrence of astringency correlated with amount of methanol-soluble tannins.     

ATTACHMENT OF CERTAIN BACTERIAL STRAINS TO CHICKEN AND BEEF MEAT

The attachment of bacteria to chicken and beef meat with and without fascia was studied. It was found that bacteria attach readily to the meat surfaces. The kinetics of attachment depend on the bacterial strain, as well as on the meat surface. Of the bacteria tested, Pseudomonas EBT/2/143 attached most readily to all meat surfaces examined. Chicken breast with fascia was the best surface for attachment.
A study was also made of the effects of storage on the multiplication of the attached bacteria and the feasibility of removing them. A high level of Salmonella infantis was found in comparison to the other bacteria after 24 h of storage at 20°C.
More investigations are needed to find out whether other serotypes of salmonellae will multiply to similar levels on these surfaces.
After micro-colonies began to form, the newly generated bacteria were easy to remove. The hygienic consequence of this phenomenon is discussed.