Assessment of groundwater salinity using principal component analysis (PCA): a case study from Mewat (Nuh), Haryana, India.

In the present study, principal component analysis (PCA) is used to investigate the processes controlling groundwater salinity in the Mewat (Nuh) district, Haryana, India. Twenty groundwater samples were collected from salinity-affected areas in the March-April months of years 2018 and 2019 and were analyzed for chemical variables pH, EC, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, [Formula: see text], Cl-, SO42-, [Formula: see text], TDS, and total hardness. Three principal components were selected based on the eigen value, which explains 79.58% and 85.08% of the total variation in the years 2018 and 2019, respectively. The first principal component (PC-1) is identified with salinity, the second principal component (PC-2) with alkalinity, and the third principal component (PC-3) described the pollution. When the yearly comparison was made, the samples collected in 2019 were found to have an increased salinity compared to 2018, which shows an increased vulnerability to the aquifer of Mewat on account of the decline in rainfall recharge. It was also evident that declining recharge also triggered the recharge from other sources; thus, the impact of pollution is more pronounced in 2019 compared to 2018.

Electronic nose for detection of food adulteration: a review.

The food products may attract unscrupulous vendors to dilute it with inexpensive alternative food sources to achieve more profit. The risk of high value food adulteration with cheaper substitutes has reached an alarming stage in recent years. Commonly available detection methods for food adulteration are costly, time consuming and requires high degree of technical expertise. However, a rapid and suitable detection method for possible adulterant is being evolved to tackle the aforesaid issues. In recent years, electronic nose (e-nose) system is being evolved for falsification detection of food products with reliable and rapid way. E-nose has the ability to artificially perceive aroma and distinguish them. The use of chemometric analysis together with gas sensor arrays have shown to be a significant procedure for quality monitoring in food. E-nose techniques with numerous provisions are reliable and favourable for food industry in food fraud detection. In the present review, the contributions of gas sensor based e-nose system are discussed extensively with a view to ascertain the adulteration of food products.

Awareness of Thyroid Disorders among Nepalese Women: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Thyroid disorders are emerging public health issues. Clients' awareness is crucial for prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of the thyroid disorders. Studies, assessing knowledge on thyroid disorders among Nepalese population, is lacking. Objective To assess the awareness of thyroid disorders among women, a susceptible subgroup, and find the correlates of poor knowledge. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted among 423 women at the gynecological outpatient department of Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital. Eighteen-item scale, with a Cronbach's Alpha of 0.913, was developed to assess participant's knowledge on various constructs of thyroid disorder. A linear regression model with Bootstrap approach was used to identify the predictors of the total knowledge score. Result The mean (±SD) age of the participant was 29.2 ± 7.0 years. About 49% of the women had inadequate knowledge, defined at or below the mean cumulative knowledge score. In linear regression, the total knowledge score was significantly lower among participants who were Janajati (ß=-2.87, BCa 95%CI=-4.61, -1.11), illiterate (ß=- 6.37, BCa 95%CI =-9.14, -3.21), and low income (ß=-3.76, BCa 95%CI=-5.68, -1.83). Likewise, a university education (ß=5.94, BCa 95%CI=3.50, 8.26), working status (ß=4.04, BCa 95%CI=2.19, 5.81), urban residence (ß=2.06, BCa 95%CI=0.02, 3.96) and family history (ß=2.20, BCa 95%CI=0.71, 3.63) of thyroid disorder predicted higher knowledge score. Conclusion This study identified a poor level of knowledge on thyroid disorders among Nepali women and thus proposes them to be an important subgroup for an intervention or policy aimed at promoting awarenessof thyroid disorders. The findings also warrant increased awareness among these population through hospital and communitybased behavior change communication campaigns.

Optimization of continuous hydrothermal treatment for improving the dehulling of black gram (Vigna mungo L).

Black gram kernels with three initial moisture contents (10, 14 & 18 % w.b.) were steam treated in a continuous steaming unit at three inlet steam pressures (2, 3 & 4 kg/cm(2)) for three grain residence times (2, 4 & 6 min) in order to determine best treatment condition for maximizing the dhal yield while limiting the colour change in acceptable range. The dhal yield, dehulling loss and the colour difference (Delta E*) of the dehulled dhal were found to vary respectively, from 56.4 to 78.8 %, 30.8 to 8.6 % and 2.1 to 9.5 with increased severity of treatment. Optimization was done in order to obtain higher dhal yield while limiting the colour difference (Delta E*) within acceptable range i.e. 2.0 to 3.5 using response surface methodology. The best condition was obtained with the samples having 13.1 % initial moisture treated with 4 kg/cm(2) for about 6 min to achieve a dhal yield of 71.2 % and dehulling loss of 15.5 %.

Microwave assisted dehulling of black gram (Vigna mungo L).

This article summarises the results of the investigation of application of microwave exposure on the dehulling characteristics of the black gram and the properties of the dehulled grains. Black gram was exposed to 3 microwave power levels, viz., 450, 630 and 810 W for 7 different exposure, ranging from 60 to 150 s at an interval of 15 s with a view to determine the suitable combination of dosage in order to get the maximum yield with little change in colour. Related changes in properties were also studied. It was observed that the surface temperature of the grain increased with the increase in microwave power level from 450 to 810 W as well as exposure time from 60 to 150 s in the range from 58 to 123 °C while the dehulling time reduced from 445 to 170 s. The dehulling yield increased with increasing microwave dosage in the beginning and reached to the maximum value followed by decreasing trend. The colour of the dehulled grain changed slowly up to a microwave dosage of 972 J/g after that it changed vividly darker than the control. The dehulling and dhal yields and colour change were polynomial functions of microwave dosage. The highest yield of 73.7 % was achieved at about 972 J/g with a little change in colour (CIELAB ΔE* value of 2.58). The corresponding dehulling time, cooking time and losses during dehulling were respectively 185 s, 10 min and 15.1 % as compared to 492 s, 20 min and 31.5 % for control respectively. It is concluded that a dosage of about 972 J/g was the best for the black gram dehulling at a rate of 630 W or higher power level.

A New Begomovirus Species in Association with Betasatellite Causing Tomato Leaf Curl Disease in Gandhinagar, India.

In December 2012, tomato leaf curl disease (ToLCD) (2) was observed in tomato-growing areas of Gandhinagar District of Gujarat, a state in northwestern India. Incidence of ToLCD was estimated to be between 40 and 70% depending on the cultivars used. Infected plants exhibited symptoms consisting of leaf rolling, leaf curling, and yellowing typical of begomoviruses. Total DNA was isolated from a single affected tomato plant (2). Begomovirus infection in this sample was established by amplification of the expected-size 550-bp DNA fragment from this extract by PCR with degenerate DNA-A primers (3). Rolling circle amplification (RCA) using ϕ29 DNA polymerase was carried out on the total DNA, followed by digestion with Bam HI. An amplicon of ~2.8 kb was gel-eluted and cloned into Bam HI linearized pBluescript II KS(+). Restriction enzyme digestion of plasmid DNA from the resulting clones indicated the presence of one type of molecule. Using PCR and universal betasatellite primers, the expected 1.3-kb fragment was amplified from the DNA extract (1). An amplicon of ~1.3 kb was gel-eluted and cloned into pTZ57RT vector. Sequence analysis revealed that DNA-A (GenBank Accession No. KC952005) is composed of 2,753 nt and showed the highest identity (87.8%) with Tomato leaf curl Kerala virus[India:Kerala:2008] (GenBank Accession No. EU910141). An analysis for recombination showed this begomovirus DNA likely to have originated by recombination between Tomato leaf curl Kerala virus and Tomato leaf curl Karnataka virus. The satellite DNA-ß (GenBank Accession No. KC952006) is composed of 1,365 nt and showed the highest identity (75.6%) with Tomato leaf curl betasatellite[India:Ludhiana:2004] (ToLCB-[IN:Lud:04]) (GenBank Accession No. AY765255). On the basis of DNA-A sequence analysis, the ICTV species demarcation criteria of 89% DNA-A sequence identity, and genome organization, the present isolate was considered as a new begomovirus species and named Tomato leaf curl Gandhinagar virus (ToLCGNV). The betasatellite shares less than 78% identity with (ToLCB-[IN:Lud:04]), it is considered a new species of betasatellite and the name, Tomato leaf curl Gandhinagar betasatellite (ToLCGNB) is proposed. Multimeric clones of the begomovirus and betasatellite DNAs were generated in a binary vector and these plasmids transformed into Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Nicotiana benthamiana and tomato plants agroinoculated with the cloned begomovirus DNA developed leaf curl symptoms, whereas plants co-agroinoculated with the cloned begomovirus and betasatellites developed more severe symptoms, including leaf rolling, leaf curling, and yellowing. The symptoms induced by the begomovirus and betasatellite DNAs were indistinguishable from those observed in the field. Thus, ToLCGNV is a new monopartite begomovirus which, in association with a new species of betasatellite, causes ToLCD in Gandhinagar, India. The presence of ToLCGNV needs to be considered, along with the already reported begomoviruses infecting tomatoes in this state, e.g., Tomato leaf curl Gujarat virus (2), in studies aimed to developing tomato cultivars with stable resistance to these tomato-infecting begomoviruses in India. References: (1) R. W. Briddon et al. Mol. Biotechnol. 20:315, 2002. (2) C. Reddy et al. Arch Virol. 150:845, 2005. (3) S. D. Wyatt and J. K. Brown. Phytopathology 86:1288, 1996.

Dyslipidaemia in chronic kidney disease in Nepalese population.

Patients having chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at higher risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Dyslipidaemia is a potential risk factor for CVD in CKD cases. In this study our aim was to find out the dyslipidaemia in patients with different stages of CKD. This hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted in department of biochemistry, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal. Total of 163 CKD cases and 163 non-CKD healthy controls were enrolled. CKD was defined and classified as per national kidney foundation guidelines. We analyzed fasting lipid profile including total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C and TG. Significant difference in mean value of serum total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C and TG were found in different stage of CKD and non-CKD groups (p value <0.05). CKD cases 33.75% and 21.47% of non-CKD controls had hypercholesterolemia (Odds ratio 1.86, p value 0.013). CKD cases 32.5% and 17.18% of non-CKD controls had low HDL-C (Odds ratio 2.32, P-value 0.001). CKD cases 38.03% and 33.13% of non-CKD controls had high LDL-C (Odds ratio 1.24, p value 0.297). CKD cases 35.58% and 19.01% of non-CKD controls had hypertriglyceridemia (Odds ratio 2.35, P-value 0.001). CKD had a higher prevalence of dyslipidaemia compared to non-CKD controls. Dyslipidaemia was also found in early stages of CKD.

Spectrum of thyroid dysfunction in patients visiting Kantipur Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal.

Thyroid disorder is most common endocrine abnormality in the general population and its prevalence increases with age. The screening of thyroid disorder is advised in high risk population. This hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted in Department of Biochemistry, Kantipur Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal. Patients having complains of thyroid disease from February 2010 to January 2011 were enrolled in this study. Thyroid parameters such as FT3, FT4 and TSH were measured by ELISA technique. Among total 472 subjects 393(83.27%) were female whereas 79(16.73%) were male. The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction was 36.0% (n=170). The different patterns of thyroid dysfunction in Kathmandu valley were: hypothyroid (11.6%), subclinical hypothyroid (16.9%), hyperthyroid (4.0%), and subclinical hyperthyroid (3.6%) respectively. Subjects having all thyroid parameters normal i.e. euthyroid were 63.9%. In conclusion, this study reveals a higher prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in Kathmandu region. This study recommends community based nationwide epidemiological studies on a regular basis to monitor thyroid dysfunction in Nepalese populations.

Risk factors and predictors of mortality in acute invasive fungal sinusitis - a single-institution experience.

OBJECTIVE: To determine risk factors affecting mortality in acute invasive fungal sinusitis. METHOD: This observational cohort study was conducted over a five-year period. RESULTS: Of 109 recruited patients, 90 (82.6 per cent) had diabetes mellitus. Predominant fungi were zygomycetes (72.6 per cent) with Rhizopus arrhizus being most common. Of the patients, 12.8 per cent showed a positive biopsy report from radiologically normal sinuses. Factors affecting mortality on multivariate analysis were: female sex (p = 0.022), less than two weeks between symptoms and first intervention (p = 0.01), and intracranial involvement (p = 0.034). Other factors significant on univariate analysis were: peri-orbital swelling (p = 0.016), restricted ocular movements (p = 0.053), intracranial symptoms (p = 0.008), posterior disease (p = 0.058), imaging showing ocular involvement (p = 0.041), fungus being zygomycetes (p = 0.050) and post-operative cavity infection (p = 0.032). Bilateral, palatal and retromaxillary involvement were not associated with poor prognosis. CONCLUSION: Diagnosis of acute invasive fungal sinusitis requires a high index of clinical suspicion. Recognition of factors associated with poor prognosis can help when counselling patients, and can help initiate urgent intervention by debridement and antifungal therapy. Post-operative nasal and sinus cavity care is important to reduce mortality.

Protein functionalised self assembled monolayer based biosensor for colon cancer detection.

We report results of the studies relating to the fabrication of a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) based label-free immunosensor for real-time monitoring of endothelin-1 (ET-1), a colon cancer biomarker. A gold disk modified with a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (11-MUA) was functionalised via covalent immobilization of monoclonal anti-ET-1 antibodies using EDC-NHS (1-(3-(dimethylamine)-propyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride, N-hydroxy succinimide) chemistry. This immunosensing platform (ethanolamine/anti-ET-1/11-MUA/Au) was characterized via atomic force microscopy (AFM), contact angle (CA) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopic techniques. The fabricated SPR electrode was further used to detect ET-1 in the broad concentration range 2-100 pg mL-1, with a detection limit of 0.30 pg mL-1 and remarkable sensitivity of 2.18 mo pg-1mL. The adsorption mechanism was studied using monophasic model and the values of association (ka) and dissociation (kd) constants for anti-ET-1 and ET-1 binding were calculated to be 4.4 ±â€¯0.4 × 105 M-1 s-1 and 2.04 ±â€¯0.0003 × 10-3 s-1, respectively. The results obtained via analysis of serum samples of colorectal cancer patients were found to be in good agreement with those obtained from enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Further, electrochemical studies were performed to prove the efficacy of the fabricated platform as a point of care device for the detection of ET-1.

The prevalence and characteristics of disability in Eastern Nepal.

BACKGROUND: Disability is related to poverty and development. Enough information and documentation is not available for developing countries like Nepal. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To assess the self-reported prevalence of disability in terms of age, sex, types, cause and age of onset. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional house to house census was carried out by means of structured questionnaires. RESULTS: A total of 31,160 individuals (4.87%) were found disabled out of a total of 640,259 individuals. The three most common types of disability are physical affecting limbs, hearing and vision. The most common perceived cause of disability is inborn syndrome followed by injury/accidents. DISCUSSION: Various publications for the prevalence of reported disability show a figure between three and ten percent, with physical disability affecting locomotion and manipulation as the leading type of disability. The prevalence rate can vary depending upon the disability indicators, methods and population surveyed and perceptions of the people. CONCLUSION: The self-reported prevalence of disability in Sunsari District is 4.87%, with inborn-syndrome as the leading perceived cause.

Ability of Emericella rugulosa to mobilize unavailable P compounds during Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] crop under arid condition.

Phosphate solubilizing microorganisms are ubiquitous in soils and could play an important role in supplying P to plants where plant unavailable P content in soil was more. A phosphatase and phytase producing fungus Emericella rugulosa was isolated and tested under field condition (Pearl millet as a test crop) in a loamy sand soil. In the experimental soil 68% organic phosphorous was present as phytin; less than 1% of phosphorous was present in a plant available form. The maximum effect of inoculation on different enzyme activities (acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, phytase, and dehydrogenase) was observed between 5 and 8 weeks of plant age. The depletion of organic P was much higher than mineral and phytin P. The microbial contribution was significantly higher than the plant contribution to the hydrolysis of the different P fractions. A significant improvement in plant biomass, root length, seed and straw yield and P concentration of root and shoot resulted from inoculation. The results suggest that Emericella rugulosa produces phosphatases and phytase, which mobilize P and enhance the production of pearl millet.

Alcohol use among physicians in a medical school in Nepal.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to know about the use of alcohol among physicians and factors that were related to it. METHODS: This was a cross sectional study conducted among the physicians in a medical school of eastern Nepal. A semi structured questionnaire was used to collect information. RESULTS: There were 55 subjects in the study. Half of them were between 35-45 years age group and one fourth among them were female. There were more than 88% physicians consuming alcohol for more than 10 years. One third used to preferred whisky as their favorites drink. Use of alcohol among them was due to peer pressure and to become a social human being. Most of them drink alcohol occasionally with an average amount 30-60 ml in a sitting and usually in the evening. Most of the time, they use alcohol either in parties or at home. CONCLUSION: Alcohol use in Nepal is very much prevalent. The use of alcohol is socially accepted in many communities. Uses of alcohol by physicians have direct effect on their health as well as the health of many people because they are role model for many people. They are also in direct contact with the patients. Steps to council the physicians may reduce the consumption of alcohol.

Prevalence and determinants of unmet need for family planning in a district of eastern region of Nepal.

OBJECTIVES: The unmet need for family planning is defined as the discrepancy between individual's contraceptive behaviors and their stated fertility preferences--The extent of which is very high in developing countries like Nepal. This study explores the unmet need and its determinants. METHODS: Among the teaching district of B.P. Koirala institute of Health Sciences, in the Eastern Region of Nepal, a district was selected randomly to conduct a cross-sectional study. A total of 1079 women were selected using systematic random sampling. We compared different demographic variables and sex-ration to unmet need by using means, percentage and applied chi-squared test where applicable. RESULT: The extent of unmet need is 25 percent with 9.5 percent for spacing and 15.5 percent for limiting. The mean age at marriage is 16(+/-3.2) years. A strong association of gender preferences towards male child and unmet need exist, which is highly significant. CONCLUSION: Unmet need is high despite extensive family planning program in Nepal. Mean age at marriage below legal age, low female education and gender discrimination are the factors responsible for unmet need.

Antenatal Health Care Service Utilization in Slum Areas of Pokhara Sub-Metropolitan City, Nepal.

BACKGROUND: Half a million women die every year due to pregnancy and childbirth in the world. Among these death, 99% occur in the low and middle income countries. Antenatal care (ANC) provides an opportunity to deliver different services which are important in improving maternal survival. METHODS: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted from September 2012 - February 2013 among 400 married women of reproductive age group. A pre-tested structured questionnaire were used and data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science(SPSS) for windows version 18.0. Frequency, crude and adjusted odds ratios and confidence intervals were performed. RESULTS: Nearly 27% had four or more antenatal health care utilization(ANC) visits on appropriate time according to schedule of World Health Organization(WHO). In logistic regression, ANC users were found to be more/less likely to be in age group 20 - 35 years (AOR =2.825, 95% CI: 1.166-6.843), education of spouse (AOR 0.361, 95% CI : 0.130-1.000), occupation of spouse (AOR = 0.261, 95% CI: 0.093 -0.739), monthly income of family > 20,000Nrs (AOR = 2.190, 95% CI: 1.041-4.606), planned pregnancy (AOR = 2.417, 95% CI: 1.047 -5.609), death of child (AOR = 3.153, 95% CI: 1.112 -8.944). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated low antenatal care service utilization. Hence, there is a need to increase the availability and accessibility of antenatal care to all women.

Occurrence of aflatoxin in some of the food and feed in Nepal.

BACKGROUND: There are many contaminants like aflatoxin present in food products. Aflatoxin in comparison to many other contaminants is very toxic and also carcinogenic. There are reports of outbreak of aflatoxin toxicity in many parts of the world. AIM: To find out the level of aflatoxin in common food and feed. SETTING: The study was conducted in 16 districts of the Eastern region of Nepal. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Samples were collected from retailers and whole sellers from 1995 to 2003. Common food items that had high chances of infestation were collected. Food sample were taken to the laboratory to estimate the level of aflatoxin. The thin layer chromatography method was used to detect aflatoxin in the samples and comparison of fluorescence of sample spot with fluorescence of standard for estimation. RESULT: There were 832 samples for aflatoxin detection and estimation. One-third samples were found to be contaminated with aflatoxin. The highest percentage of contamination was found in peanut butter/vegetable oil (42.5%) and the lowest in areca nut (25%). Highest proportion of cornflakes samples were found to be contaminated with aflatoxin by more than the recommended value (30 ppb) and contamination in peanut was the lowest. CONCLUSION: People consume many common food items that contain aflatoxin. It is of high importance for the concerned department to give attention to this important public health issue. Even in small doses, continuous consumption can lead to many health problems. So it is of paramount importance to detect and control these contaminants in food items.

Chronic social defeat stress increases dopamine D2 receptor dimerization in the prefrontal cortex of adult mice.

The present study aimed to examine the effects of chronic social defeat stress on the dopamine receptors and proteins involved in post-endocytic trafficking pathways. Adult mice were divided into susceptible and unsusceptible groups after 10 days of social defeat stress. Western blot analysis was used to measure the protein expression levels of dopamine D2 receptors (D2Rs), a short (D2S) and a long form (D2L) and, D2R monomers and dimers, dopamine D1 receptors (D1Rs), neuronal calcium sensor-1 (NCS-1) and G protein-coupled receptor-associated sorting protein-1 (GASP-1), and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to measure the mRNA expression levels of D2S, D2L, D2R monomers and dimers, and D1Rs in different brain areas. We observed increased expression of D2S, D2L and D2Rs dimers in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of susceptible and/or unsusceptible mice compared with controls. The only significant findings with regard to mRNA expression levels were lower expression of D2S mRNA in the amygdala (AMYG) of susceptible and unsusceptible mice compared with controls. The present study demonstrated that chronic social defeat stress induced increased expression of D2S, D2L, and D2R dimers in the PFC of susceptible and/or unsusceptible mice.

The effects of social defeat on behavior and dopaminergic markers in mice.

The present study investigated the effects of chronic social defeat stress on several behavioral parameters, and the expression of dopaminergic markers, i.e., dopamine D1 receptors (D1Rs), dopamine D2 receptors (D2Rs), and dopamine and cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate-regulated phosphoprotein-32 (DARPP-32), in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), amygdala (AMY), and hippocampus (HIP) of mouse brains. After 10days of social defeat stress, the defeated mice were divided into two groups: one group underwent a series of behavioral tests. The other group was sacrificed on the 11th day and tissue samples were collected for Western blotting. The behavioral tests comprised tests of locomotion, light/dark preference, social interaction, as well as the novel object recognition test (NORT), Morris water maze, and forced swimming test (FST). We measured the expression of D1Rs, D2Rs, total DARPP-32, phospho-Thr34 or Thr75-DARPP-32 using Western blotting. The defeated mice showed increased anxiety- and depression-like behaviors, and impaired cognition. No significant differences in D1Rs and D2Rs expression were shown between defeated and control mice in any area studied. A significantly increased expression in total DARPP-32, and phospho-DARPP-32 was observed in the PFC or AMY of defeated mice. These data suggest that alterations in dopaminergic markers may be involved in anxiety- and depression-like behaviors, and cognitive impairment induced by social defeat stress.

Field investigaton of an outbreak of epidemic dropsy in eastern Nepal.

About 17 cases with clinical syndrome suggestive of epidemic dropsy attended to the B P Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, for treatment. These cases were from three villages of Saptari district in eastern Nepal. Some of the mustard oil samples were tested positive with Nitric acid test. In the wake of this, an extensive field investigation was conducted covering a wider area in these villages.

Nondestructive Analysis of Litchi Fruit Quality Using FT-NIR Spectroscopy

A non-destructive optical method based on near-infrared spectroscopy has been used for the evaluation of litchi fruit quality. Diffuse reflectance measurements (12500–3600 cm-1), physical, and biochemical measurements were performed individually on 100 litchi fruits of cv.Shahi cultivar harvested at different ripening stages. Relationships between spectral wavelengths and quality attributes were evaluated by application of chemometric techniques based on partial least squares (PLS) regression. The fruit set was divided into two groups: 60 fruits for calibration and 39 for validation. Good prediction performance was obtained for pH, soluble solids, and titratable acidity with correlation coefficients of 0.96, 0.91 and 0.94 respectively and root mean square errors of prediction of 0.009, 0.291ºBrix and 0.011% malic acid respectively. For the other quality traits such as vitamin C and color the prediction models were not satisfactorily accurate due to the higherror of calibration and prediction.