Detection of the Electrical Conductivity and Acidity of Honey from Different Areas of Tepi
Honey is the ingredient of most industrial products for sweetening and improving its food composition. The study is therefore based on the determination of physical parameters such as electrical conductivity and acidity. The instrumentation and apparatuses used in the work are conductometry and titration apparatuses. Honey samples obtained from different areas with respect to Tepi town have been analyzed and the result obtained is on the basis of conductometry and acidity measurement. Hence 20g of each anhydrous honey sample was weighed and dissolved in 100mL of deionized water in order to prepare 20 %( w/v) solution to measure conductivity. The acidity is detected after 10g of each honey sample is dissolved in 75mL of deionized water. The conductivity in summer honey determined to be 0.097mS/cm, 0.153mS/cm 0.117mS/cm and 0.337mS/cm in Korcha, Mexi, Sheko and Gobito respectively. Acidity is found to be 17, 28.67, 29 and 25miliequi/Kg. The conductivity in winter honey is detected to be 0.123, 0.186, 0.103 and 0.246mS/cm. The acidity in winter honey is 3.36-4.26 and 18.3-25.3meq/Kg from pH meter and titration respectively. The conductivity of darker honey is slightly greater than lighter honey, which indicated that the darker honey has more mineral content; and acidity of three honey samples is almost similar. The honey products are safe and fit the international honey commission standard and probably both darker and lighter honey are nutritionally important.
Linear Regression Model of the Ash Mass Fraction and Electrical Conductivity for Slovenian Honey
Summary Mass fraction of ash is a quality criterion for determining the botanical origin of honey. At present, this parameter is generally being replaced by the measurement of electrical conductivity (k). The value k depends on the ash and acid content of honey; the higher their content, the higher the resulting conductivity. A linear regression model for the relationship between ash and electrical conductivity has been established for Slovenian honey by analysing 290 samples of Slovenian honey (including acacia, lime, chestnut, spruce, fir, multifloral and mixed forest honeydew honey). The obtained model differs from the one proposed by the International Honey Commission (IHC) in the slope, but not in the section part of the relation formula. Therefore, the Slovenian model is recommended when calculating the ash mass fraction from the results of electrical conductivity in samples of Slovenian honey.
Mite population density analysis of stored dried apricots in Turkey
The aim of this study was to determine the population density of mite species attacking stored dried apricots in Malatya, Elazig and Izmir regions of Turkey. Storage construction types and duration of storage were also considered. The samples were collected during 2000–2003 in the most important apricot producing areas (Malatya and Elazig) and the exporting center (Izmir). Frequency of occurrence and rates of intensity of infestations were determined (16.50% from Malatya, 3.19% from Elazig and 80.49% from Izmir). A total of 16 mite species belonging to 13 genera and 11 families were identified during the surveys. The pest species Carpoglyphus lactis (L.) (Astigmata: Carpoglyphidae) was the most abundant species recorded (69.14% of samples). The highest infestation value recorded was 15,534 mites per kg.