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Statistical Modelling and Optimization of the Drying Characteristics of Musa Paradisiaca (Unripe Plantain)

Statistical Modelling and Optimization of the Drying Characteristics of Musa Paradisiaca (Unripe Plantain)

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DEDICATION

This research material, titled “Statistical Modelling and Optimization of the Drying Characteristics of Musa Paradisiaca (Unripe Plantain)” is dedicated to God for His boundless grace and guidance. It is also a tribute to all computer enthusiasts whose contributions made my research journey smoother and enriched my documentation process, making the experience truly fulfilling.




ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I am profoundly grateful to everyone who contributed to the successful completion of this project. I am especially grateful to my Supervisor (Name), the Head of Department (Name), and the Lecturers in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension for their invaluable guidance and support. I also acknowledge the contributions of authors and scholars whose works on Statistical Modelling and Optimization of the Drying Characteristics of Musa Paradisiaca (Unripe Plantain) provided essential insights. Special thanks go to my study area (and any funding organizations, if applicable) for their financial assistance. I am equally thankful to stakeholders, including mentors, teachers, and colleagues, for their encouragement and support. Finally, I deeply appreciate my family and friends for their patience and unwavering support throughout this journey. Your contributions have been instrumental in making this research a reality.




Statistical Modelling and Optimization of the Drying Characteristics of Musa Paradisiaca (Unripe Plantain)


1.0 Introduction


1.1. Background Of Study

Drying is probably the oldest and the most important method of food preservation practiced by humans. This process improves the food stability, since it reduces considerably the water and microbiological activity of the material and minimizes physical and chemical changes during its storage. Musa paradisiacal (unripe plantain) is an important staple food in Central and West Africa, which along with bananas provides 60 million people with 25% of their calories. According to FAO, (2004), over 2.11 million metric tons of plantain is produced in Nigeria annually. Plantain for local consumption, plays a role in food and income security and has the potential to contribute to national food security and reduce rural poverty.

Unripe plantain has rich iron nutrient content (Aremu, et al., 1990). However, they are highly perishable and subject to fast deteriorations, as their moisture contents and high metabolic activity persist after harvest (Demirel, et al., 2003). Moreso, about 35-60% post-harvest losses had been reported and attributed to lack of storage facilities and inappropriate technologies for food processing. Air drying alone or together with sun drying is largely used for preserving unripe plantain. Besides helping preservation, drying adds value to plantain.


1.2 Problem Statement

Drying consists of a critical step by reducing the water activity of the products being dried. Hot air drying of agricultural products is one of the most popular preservation methods because of its simplicity and low cost. Thin layer drying is a common method and widely used for fruits and vegetables to prolong their shelf life. However, drying of any food substance is an energy intensive operation with grave industrial consequences, and must be performed with optimal energy utilization. This project work seeks to ascertain the best thin layer model and the temperature and slice thickness that optimizes time.


1.3 Aim and Objectives Of Study

The aim of the study is to scrutinize the Statistical Modelling and Optimization of the Drying Characteristics of Musa Paradisiaca (Unripe Plantain). In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:

  1. To ascertain the type of thin-layer model that best fits the moisture ratio/time data during the drying of unripe plantain.
  2. To determine the temperature and slice thickness that optimizes time (i.e. gives the shortest drying time).

1.4 Justification of Study

Production of plantain is seasonal while consumption is all year round and therefore there is the need to cut down on post-harvest losses by processing them into forms with reduced moisture content.

This agricultural product has high moisture content at harvest and therefore cannot be preserved for more than some few days under ambient conditions of 20oC " 25oC (Chua, et al., 2001). This post-harvest loss results in seasonal unavailability and limitations on the use by urban populations. Plantain has however been having an increasing surplus production since 2001 (Dankye, et al., 2007).

It is estimated that in 2015, there will be a surplus of about 852,000 Mt. This means that these surpluses have to be exported, processed or go to waste. A reduction in moisture content potentially increases shelf life and hence prevents excessive post-harvest loss and that drying is an alternative to developing nations, where there is deterioration due to poor storage, weather conditions and processing facilities


1.5 Scope Of Study

The scope of this project work includes the following: Using the ten selected thin layer models to investigate the one that best fits the data generated from drying of unripe plantain at specified temperatures, slice thicknesses, and drying time.

Using regression analysis to obtain the slice thickness and temperature for the optimum (minimum) drying time.


CHAPTER TWO

2.0 Literature Review

2.1 Introduction

This chapter focuses on the review of related literature. A literature review includes the current knowledge as well as theoretical and methodological contributions to a particular topic. It documents the state of the art with respect to the topic you are writing. It surveys the literature in the topic selected. In this research work the literature review includes the conceputal review, theoretical framework, the review of related literature …

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Defense Procedure for Agricultural Economics and Extension Researchers


In preparation for defending a project or seminar on Statistical Modelling and Optimization of the Drying Characteristics of Musa Paradisiaca (Unripe Plantain), it is imperative that as a nursing student, you demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of your research. The defense process is structured to include presenting your work, answering questions, and illustrating its pertinence. Initially, provide a succinct yet thorough introduction to your research topic, emphasizing its importance and the objectives, ensuring that both the audience and the External Examiner can understand the scope of your study.


Prior to your defense, be thoroughly acquainted with your research abstract and the critical elements of Chapter One, including motivation for embarking on this research, problem statement, objectives, and significance. In Chapter Two, be ready to cite at least two references from the literature review. For Chapter Three, you should be equipped to discuss the methodologies, tools, and techniques utilized. In Chapter Four, defend your research by justifying the findings and linking them to your research objectives.


Conclude your defense by succinctly summarizing the study and offering insightful, evidence-based recommendations. A professional dress code, such as wearing a suit and tie, is vital to create a favorable impression and elevate your presentation.


During the question and answer segment, the External Examiner may pose questions pertaining to your research. If confronted with a challenging or irrelevant question, respond diplomatically with, “Sorry, Sir/Madam, the question asked is beyond the scope of my study.” Whenever possible, direct your answers back to your research findings to reinforce your expertise.


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