Carrot Dehydration—Optimization Process Studies on the Explosion-Puffing Process

A carrot dehydration process that includes the unique continuous explosion-puffing system (CEPS) is described. A drying study included moisture distribution throughout a two-stage pilot scale dryer as well as bed temperature during first stage drying. Shrinkage losses of carrots by two dehydration methods were investigated, and volume differences were obtained. Measurements of dried carrot properties such as bulk density, color, nonenzymatic browning, rehydration, and disintegration were used to determine optimum operating pressure, temperature, and feed moisture for CEPS. Response surfaces developed from these properties were used simultaneously to establish a constrained optimum.     

THE PAIRED-COMPARISON METHOD AS A SIMPLE DIFFERENCE TEST

The paired-comparison method is rarely used as a simple difference test in sensory analysis because it lacks a predictable null hypothesis. However, two separate experiments with a total of 810 assessors both provided empirical support for a probability under the null hypothesis of p = 1/2, but showed also that this probability can be influenced by the way in which the difference question is asked.     

An Improved Radiation Transport Submodel for CFAST

Abstract

This paper identifies significant developments in the provision of bibliographic and factual data to the remote sensingcommunity. During the last decade there has been a dramatic increase in the number and type of information sources that may be accessed online. Apart from purely bibliographic sources, full text document retrieval services that outline news, legislation, space policies and commercialization are now available. In addition, information on technical parameters, components and availability of remotely-sensed imagery can be obtained. There is, however, an imbalance in online accessibility between developed and developing countries.     

Aerobic Microflora of Commercially Harvested, Transported and Cryogenically Processed Col lards (Brassica oleracea)

Samples of spring and fall harvested collards were obtained at critical stages in a normal harvesting, transportation and cryogenic processing operation and microbiologically analyzed for total plate counts, En-terobacreriaceae counts, and yeasts and molds. Operations that involved extended holding times and mechanical handling tended to increase all counts significantly while blanching and blast freezing with liquid N₂ reduced counts to acceptable levels. Differences were significant in all counts by sampling points and dates. Prominant genera of Enterobacteriaceae isolated from the frozen product were those normally associated with soil contamination and not normally considered pathogenic to humans.     

IDENTIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF THE MICROFLORA AND SPOILAGE BACTERIA IN FRESHWATER CRAYFISH Procambarus clarkii (Girard)

Crayfish tails were collected from two commercial peeling plants in South Louisiana and stored at 0° and 5°C. Initially and after various periods of storage, bacteria were isolated from the peeled tails, identified generically and subsequently classified on the basis of their ability to produce "spoilage" in sterile crayfish tail flesh. Micrococcus, Staphylococcus, Alcaligenes and Achromobacter were the predominant genera in the fresh samples of tails. Achromobacter predominated during early storage and Pseudomonas and Achromobacter were the dominating organisms in the spoiled tails. Of the 280 isolated bacteria, 22.1% were classified as "rapid spoilers," 16.4% were "slow spoilers" and 61.5% were "nonspoilers." Most of the spoilers were Pseudomonas , while an appreciable number belonged to Achromobacter.     

Thick bone section preparation using a silicon-rubber-based sealant

A method has been developed, using a silicon-rubber-based sealant, which allows 2–3-mm-thick specimens to be maintained in a protected fluid environment for a number of months, without risk of dehydration. Following this, the specimen can be retrieved, stained, embedded and sectioned further. For example, 2-mm-thick sections of fixed unstained bone are easily examined by means of epi-illuminated polarized light and fluorescence microscopies using either conventional or confocal optics. The method could easily be extended to other tissues, for example brain tissue.     

Long-term effects of magnesium carbonate on coronary artery calcification and bone mineral density in hemodialysis patients: A pilot study

Observational data suggest that elevated magnesium levels in dialysis patients may prevent vascular calcification and in vitro magnesium can prevent hydroxyapatite crystal growth. However, the effects of magnesium on vascular calcification and bone mineral density have not been studied prospectively. Seven chronic hemodialysis patients participated in this open label, prospective pilot study to evaluate the effects of a magnesium-based phosphate binder on coronary artery calcification (CAC) scores and vertebral bone mineral density (V-BMD) in patients with baseline CAC scores >30. Magnesium carbonate/calcium carbonate (elemental Mg: 86 mg/elemental Ca 100 mg) was administered as the principal phosphate binder for a period of 18 months and changes in CAC and V-BMD were measured at baseline, 6, 12, and 18 months. Serum magnesium levels averaged 2.2±0.4 mEq/L (range: 1.3–3.9 mEq/L). Phosphorus levels (4.5±0.6 mg/dL) were well controlled throughout the 18 months study. Electron beam computed tomography results demonstrated a small not statically significant increase in absolute CAC scores, no significant change in median percent change, and a small none significant change in V-BMD. Magnesium may have a favorable effect on CAC. The long-term effect on bone mineral density remains unclear. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.     

Designing performance measurement systems for just-in-time operations

Results of a study conducted to understand how performance is evaluated in just-in-time (JIT) operations are reported in this paper. The purpose of the study was to develop a series of propositions concerning the performance criteria, standards, measurement techniques, and reporting methods that are appropriate in JIT environments. Ten propositions are provided.