Complex Coacervated Vitamin C Microparticles Embedded Biodegradable Packaging: a Potential Bioactive Film for Storing Perishable Foods

Khuntia Anjali,Daharwal Neha,Mitra Jayeeta 한국농업기계학회 2022 바이오시스템공학 Vol.47 No.3

Purpose Vitamin C (VC) can readily degrade to dehydroascorbic acid and other subsequent by-products due to fluctuation of temperature, pH; light exposure, oxygen and metal ions and with storage time. To replenish it in fruits and vegetables effectively and to extend the shelf life of cut fruits and vegetables, VC was encapsulated using a complex coacervation technique and delivered through biodegradable film-wrap. Methods Complex coacervation was carried out with gelatin and pectin as wall material at concentrations of 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5% with VC concentration of 50, 75 and 100 % (w/w wall material concentration) and the method was characterized based on encapsulation efficiency (EE) and particle size. The microparticles obtained with optimal combinations were incorporated in the packaging film and VC release to the packed product was analyzed at different pH and temperature and the release was modelled mathematically. Results It was found that 7.5% wall material concentrations with 75% VC concentration (w/w wall material concentration) yielded optimum EE% (85.1 ± 2.94%) with more homogeneous microparticles. The VC release from the packaging film was found to be higher for packed beans (pH 7) studied at a storage temperature of 20 °C than for packed banana (pH 4.5) and storage temperature of 25 and 37 °C. The Peppas model was well fitted to depict the non-FickianVC diffusion for both banana and beans. Conclusion The VC release from packaging film to packaged food is influenced by the pH of the food product as well as its storage temperature that is appropriate for real food application.

Performance of Male Crossbred Calves as Influenced by Substitution of Grain by Wheat Bran and the Addition of Lactic Acid Bacteria to Diet

Khuntia, A.,Chaudhary, L.C. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2002 Animal Bioscience Vol.15 No.2

To study the effect of wheat bran and lactic acid producing bacteria (LAB) on the performance of calves, 20 crossbred male cattle calves (day old), distributed into two groups were fed on calf starters containing 50 or 0% maize grain, along with green berseem ad libitum and milk as per body weight. Each group was further divided into two sub groups and one subgroup of each group was supplemented with mixed culture of LAB (Lactobacillus acidophilus L. casei, L. Jugarti). Milk feeding was discontinued after 8 weeks of age. The addition of culture increased (p<0.05) DM intake in calves receiving grainless diet from eighth week to the thirteenth one. There was about 21% higher body weight gain and 14% lower feed : gain ratio in culture supplemented calves. DM digestibility was significantly lower (p<0.05) in calves getting grain without culture. The crude protein NDF and ADF digestibility was higher (p<0.05) in grainless than the grain fed group. No major change on rumen fermentation pattern among different treatments was found. The concentration of total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) and protozoa count was higher (p<0.05) in grain fed group. However, lactic acid concentration was higher and rumen pH was lower due to culture feeding. The incidence as well as severity of diarrhoea was reduced in culture supplemented group. The results indicate that crossbred calves can be reared successfully on grainless diet and berseen fodder. The performance of calves was also improved by LAB supplementation.

An Efficient Reinforcement Learning for Device-to-device Communication Underlaying Cellular Network

Pratap Khuntia,Ranjay Hazra 대한전자공학회 2020 IEIE Transactions on Smart Processing & Computing Vol.9 No.1

In this paper, a novel actor-critic reinforcement learning (RL) based on policy gradient is proposed to solve the channel and power allocation issues for a device-to-device (D2D) enabled cellular network when prior traffic information was not provided to the base station (BS). Furthermore, in this paper, we design a system to learn the optimal policy for resource and power allocation between cellular users (CUs) and D2D users, aimed at maximizing the sum rate of the overall system. Since the behavior of wireless channels, and the received reward in each state associated with the system, is stochastic in nature, the dynamic property of the environment allows us to apply an actor-critic RL technique to learn the best policy through continuous interaction with the surroundings. The policy-based approach is better than a value-based scheme, such as Qlearning, because it takes the help of policy space in order to maximize the expected throughput. The actor adopts a parameter-based stochastic policy for continuous actions, while the critic evaluates the policy through its overall performance, and criticizes the actor for the policy it follows. Through numerical simulations, we verify the performance of our proposed work with the existing methods.

A comparative study of the catalytic and non-catalytic ozone based processes for simultaneous of SO2 and NOX removal

Snigdha Khuntia,Gokulesh Mohan 한국공업화학회 2022 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.106 No.-

Ozonation process alone is not sufficient to remove both the SO2 and NOX gases, when treated simultaneously. Therefore in this work, a suitable technique to remove SO2 and NOX simultaneously has beenevaluated using combination of O3, H2O2 and a solid catalyst. OMS-2, a manganese based catalyst havebeen incorporated with O3 and H2O2 for enhanced radical generation. This preferably enhances the oxidationof SO2 and NOx species in aqueous medium simultaneously. The role of some important processparameters have been tested on the performance of SO2 and NOX absorption. To get the maximumremoval of SO2 and NOX, the neutral pH, temperature close to 300–320 K, and H2O2 at 0.2 mol L1 concentrationswas found to be the optimum condition. The use of catalyst (approximately2 g L1) + O3 + H2O2 shows promising results on the removal of SO2 and NOX. In addition to that, the kineticsof the catalytic ozonation and peroxone removal of SO2 and NO2 has been evaluated. The cost estimationstudy for the ozone and peroxone based catalytic processes has been presented with comparison ofthe respective flue gas %removal.

Adoption of Smart Sustainability Performance Measurement System (SPMS) in Hotels and Variations across Ratings, Reviews, and Operational Efficiency Scores

Ning, Xue,Yim, Dobin,Khuntia, Jiban Smart Tourism Research Center 2021 Journal of smart tourism Vol.1 No.2

Hotels have recently started to implement enterprise information systems to measure and report sustainability indicators in a smart manner. However, a complex ownership structure in a hotel chain prevents full smart systems adoption at the individual property level. This study explores how a smart sustainability performance measurement system (SPMS) for waste management adoption correlates with customer ratings, customer reviews, operational efficiency scores, and between franchised and corporate-managed properties. We derive insights from the secondary data constructed from multiple sources for a large multinational hotel chain hotel. The findings suggest that hotels that adopt SPMS have better operational efficiency scores and more customer reviews. Within the hotels that adopted SPMS, corporate-managed hotels have a lower level of ratings than franchised hotels, but they have higher operational efficiency scores and more reviews. We discuss research implications for the concept of smart tourism and hotel management literature and managerial implications.

Comparative Effect of Different Plasticizers on Barrier, Mechanical, Optical, and Sorption Properties of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC)–Based Edible Film

Malik Gulshan Kumar,Khuntia Anjali,Mitra Jayeeta 한국농업기계학회 2022 바이오시스템공학 Vol.47 No.2

Purpose Identifying ideal plasticizer is pivotal to develop a biopolymer-based edible films for food packaging. The effect of different plasticizers (glycerol, polyethylene glycol, sorbitol) on the mechanical, water vapor barrier, optical, and moisture sorption properties of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) -based flexible films was examined in this study. Methods Mechanical properties and water vapor permeability (WVP) of films were determined using standard ASTM methods. Moisture sorption isotherm (MSI) for different HPMCfilms were obtained thermogravemitically and seven sorption models were fitted to experimental sorption data through nonlinear regression using curve fitting tool inMATLAB R2015b and goodness of fit of these models was compared based on Akaike information criterion (AIC). GAB model was used to determine the monolayer moisture content and heat of sorption of different films. Results Plasticizing efficacy of different plasticizers was significantly different for HPMC film in studied concentration range. Water vapor permeability (WVP) for native HPMC film was 0.451 g mm/kPa m2 h, which further increased to 0.972, 0.890, and 0.615 g mm/kPa m2 h when 25% (w/w of HPMC) glycerol, PEG, and sorbitol were added as plasticizers, respectively. GAB model showed an increase in monolayermoisture (M0) content with increasing plasticizer concentration and the highestM0 value was observed for glycerol-plasticized film. Conclusions Added plasticizers were found to be effective in providing desirable flexibility in terms of elongation to HPMC film which is beneficial for coating and shrink wrap packaging application but adversely affect the tensile strength and transparency of film. Henderson and Oswin models were selected as the best fit model to the experimental sorption data based on AIC values. The findings from the current study would serve in selection of suitable plasticizer for HPMC-based film/coating in food packaging applications.

Uptake during an oral cholera vaccine pilot demonstration program, Odisha, India.

Kar, Shantanu K,Pach, Alfred,Sah, Binod,Kerketta, Anna S,Patnaik, Bikash,Mogasale, VijayaLaxmi,Kim, Yang Hee,Rath, Shyam Bandhu,Shin, Sunheang,Khuntia, Hemant K,Bhattachan, Anuj,Puri, Mahesh K,Wierzba Landes Bioscience 2014 Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics Vol.10 No.10

<P>Approximately 30% of reported global cholera cases occur in India. In 2011, a household survey was conducted 4 months after an oral cholera vaccine pilot demonstration project in Odisha India to assess factors associated with vaccine up-take and exposure to a communication and social mobilization campaign. Nine villages were purposefully selected based on socio-demographics and demonstration participation rates. Households were stratified by level of participation and randomly selected. Bivariate and ordered logistic regression analyses were conducted. 517/600 (86%) selected households were surveyed. At the household level, participant compared to non-participant households were more likely to use the local primary health centers for general healthcare (P < 0.001). Similarly, at the village level, higher participation was associated with use of the primary health centers (P < 0.001) and private clinics (p = 0.032). Also at the village level, lower participation was associated with greater perceived availability of effective treatment for cholera (p = 0.013) and higher participation was associated with respondents reporting spouse as the sole decision-maker for household participation in the study. In terms of pre-vaccination communication, at the household level verbal communication was reported to be more useful than written communication. However written communication was perceived to be more useful by respondents in low-participating villages compared to average-participating villages (p = 0.007) These data on participation in an oral cholera vaccine demonstration program are important in light of the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommendations for pre-emptive use of cholera vaccine among vulnerable populations in endemic settings. Continued research is needed to further delineate barriers to vaccine up-take within and across targeted communities in low- and middle-income countries.</P>

Mass Vaccination with a New, Less Expensive Oral Cholera Vaccine Using Public Health Infrastructure in India: The Odisha Model

Kar, Shantanu K.,Sah, Binod,Patnaik, Bikash,Kim, Yang Hee,Kerketta, Anna S.,Shin, Sunheang,Rath, Shyam Bandhu,Ali, Mohammad,Mogasale, Vittal,Khuntia, Hemant K.,Bhattachan, Anuj,You, Young Ae,Puri, Mah Public Library of Science 2014 PLoS neglected tropical diseases Vol.8 No.2

<▼1><P><B>Introduction</B></P><P>The substantial morbidity and mortality associated with recent cholera outbreaks in Haiti and Zimbabwe, as well as with cholera endemicity in countries throughout Asia and Africa, make a compelling case for supplementary cholera control measures in addition to existing interventions. Clinical trials conducted in Kolkata, India, have led to World Health Organization (WHO)-prequalification of Shanchol, an oral cholera vaccine (OCV) with a demonstrated 65% efficacy at 5 years post-vaccination. However, before this vaccine is widely used in endemic areas or in areas at risk of outbreaks, as recommended by the WHO, policymakers will require empirical evidence on its implementation and delivery costs in public health programs. The objective of the present report is to describe the organization, vaccine coverage, and delivery costs of mass vaccination with a new, less expensive OCV (Shanchol) using existing public health infrastructure in Odisha, India, as a model.</P><P><B>Methods</B></P><P>All healthy, non-pregnant residents aged 1 year and above residing in selected villages of the Satyabadi block (Puri district, Odisha, India) were invited to participate in a mass vaccination campaign using two doses of OCV. Prior to the campaign, a <I>de jure</I> census, micro-planning for vaccination and social mobilization activities were implemented. Vaccine coverage for each dose was ascertained as a percentage of the censused population. The direct vaccine delivery costs were estimated by reviewing project expenditure records and by interviewing key personnel.</P><P><B>Results</B></P><P>The mass vaccination was conducted during May and June, 2011, in two phases. In each phase, two vaccine doses were given 14 days apart. Sixty-two vaccination booths, staffed by 395 health workers/volunteers, were established in the community. For the censused population, 31,552 persons (61% of the target population) received the first dose and 23,751 (46%) of these completed their second dose, with a drop-out rate of 25% between the two doses. Higher coverage was observed among females and among 6–17 year-olds. Vaccine cost at market price (about US$1.85/dose) was the costliest item. The vaccine delivery cost was $0.49 per dose or $1.13 per fully vaccinated person.</P><P><B>Discussion</B></P><P>This is the first undertaken project to collect empirical evidence on the use of Shanchol within a mass vaccination campaign using existing public health program resources. Our findings suggest that mass vaccination is feasible but requires detailed micro-planning. The vaccine and delivery cost is affordable for resource poor countries. Given that the vaccine is now WHO pre-qualified, evidence from this study should encourage oral cholera vaccine use in countries where cholera remains a public health problem.</P></▼1><▼2><P><B>Author Summary</B></P><P>Cholera – an acute life-threatening diarrheal illness – continues to disrupt public health in resource poor countries. The devastating outbreaks in Haiti and Zimbabwe – to name just two of many occurrences – calls for the use of available oral cholera vaccines as an additional tool in the arsenal of cholera control measures. An oral cholera vaccine (Shanchol) has been licensed in India since 2009; however, there has only been limited use of this vaccine in government public health programs. A vaccination campaign using 2 doses of Shanchol was conducted in Odisha, India, during May and June, 2011, where 31,552 persons (61% of the target population) received the first dose and 23,751 of them completed their second dose. The vaccine delivery cost was $0.49 per dose. Through our findings and experience, we discuss the organization of the cholera vaccination campaign in Odisha, the challenges met for conducting the campaign and the strategies designed to overcome those challenges, and the delivery costs incurred in the use of this vaccine, the first of

An Estimation of Private Household Costs to Receive Free Oral Cholera Vaccine in Odisha, India

Mogasale, Vittal,Kar, Shantanu K.,Kim, Jong-Hoon,Mogasale, Vijayalaxmi V.,Kerketta, Anna S.,Patnaik, Bikash,Rath, Shyam Bandhu,Puri, Mahesh K.,You, Young Ae,Khuntia, Hemant K.,Maskery, Brian,Wierzba, Public Library of Science 2015 PLoS neglected tropical diseases Vol.9 No.9

<▼1><P><B>Background</B></P><P>Service provider costs for vaccine delivery have been well documented; however, vaccine recipients’ costs have drawn less attention. This research explores the private household out-of-pocket and opportunity costs incurred to receive free oral cholera vaccine during a mass vaccination campaign in rural Odisha, India.</P><P><B>Methods</B></P><P>Following a government-driven oral cholera mass vaccination campaign targeting population over one year of age, a questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey was conducted to estimate private household costs among vaccine recipients. The questionnaire captured travel costs as well as time and wage loss for self and accompanying persons. The productivity loss was estimated using three methods: self-reported, government defined minimum daily wages and gross domestic product per capita in Odisha.</P><P><B>Findings</B></P><P>On average, families were located 282.7 (SD = 254.5) meters from the nearest vaccination booths. Most family members either walked or bicycled to the vaccination sites and spent on average 26.5 minutes on travel and 15.7 minutes on waiting. Depending upon the methodology, the estimated productivity loss due to potential foregone income ranged from $0.15 to $0.29 per dose of cholera vaccine received. The private household cost of receiving oral cholera vaccine constituted 24.6% to 38.0% of overall vaccine delivery costs.</P><P><B>Interpretation</B></P><P>The private household costs resulting from productivity loss for receiving a free oral cholera vaccine is a substantial proportion of overall vaccine delivery cost and may influence vaccine uptake. Policy makers and program managers need to recognize the importance of private costs and consider how to balance programmatic delivery costs with private household costs to receive vaccines.</P></▼1><▼2><P><B>Author Summary</B></P><P>The price of vaccine and the costs of its delivery are two important economic measures considered by governments and various international organizations in their decisions on the use of a new vaccine. However, the costs to the vaccine recipients resulting from their travel, time and wage loss are hardly considered and rarely documented. Even if the vaccine is provided for free, the costs borne by vaccine recipients could be sufficient enough to be a hurdle for taking vaccine. We elucidate this less explored angle of “vaccine recipient cost” in the context of oral cholera vaccine mass campaign in Odisha, India. Our research shows that the potential loss of income for individuals for receiving oral cholera vaccine ranged from 25% to 38% of overall vaccine delivery costs. We believe our findings have global implications on future decisions and policy making on vaccine introduction in balancing programmatic delivery costs with private household costs to receive vaccines.</P></▼2>