The properties of gruel samples frozen at different temperatures under different conditions were studied. The freezing temperature was -20°C or -40°C, the gruel was packed into a plastic bag or a plastic box, and the weight of each sample was 100 g or 200 g. Samples were prepared according to these three variables. The time required to pass the zone of maximum ice crystal formation temperature was shorter with the combination of -40°C, plastic bag and 100 g than the combination of -20°C, plastic box and 200 g. The frozen gruel samples had more hardness and adhesiveness than just after cooking. The freezing conditions for the gruel samples influenced this hardness and adhesiveness. Preservation at -40°C in a plastic bag of 100 g of gruel showed less hardness and adhesiveness than at -20°C in a plastic box of 200 g. A small portion of the gruel sample was observed in the preservation at -20°C. Most of the samples preserved in the freezer was estimated vague shapes for the rice grains, and which were sticky. However the 100g samples frozen at -40°C were evaluated more highly than the other combinations.

View full abstract

We studied the change of aerobic bacterial number and the behavior of Bacillus cereus during the process of vacuum cooking to evaluate the safety of this cooking method. Sliced raw beef was used as an experimental specimen, which was wrapped vacuously before the cooking. Aerobic bacterial number, coliform group and B. cereus were examined in the specimen without any inoculation, and the behavior of B. cereus was investigated in vegetative cell- and spore-inoculated specimens. Specimens were examined before the cooking, after the first heating (either at 58°C for 40 min, 68°C for 40 min, or 80°C for 15 min), and then following re-heating at 80°C for 10 min. 2.8×10⁴ cfu/g aerobic bacteria were detected before the cooking; this number decreased to 5.4×10² cfu/g after the first heating at 58°C for 40 min. Aerobic bacteria that survived this stage died out completely after the re-heating. On the other hand, no aerobic bacteria were seen following either of the other two initial heating treatments. Furthermore, coliform groups and B. cereus were not detected at the beginning of the experiment. Vegetative cells (4.0×10⁴ cfu/g) completely disappeared after the first heating process, regardless of the conditions. Although spores (3.2×10² cfu/g) survived slightly after every initial heating treatment, they disappeared completely after the re-heating. The present results indicate that food subjected to vacuum cooking seems to be safe as long as the re-heating process functions appropriately. In other words, the re-heating process is necessary in order to secure the safety of this cooking method.

View full abstract

The purpose of this article is to examine the influence of the American War of Independence (1775-1783) on French fashion, which was dominated by Anglomania during the latter half of the eighteenth century. The revolt of the Colonies against England brought to France the cult of America and enthusiasm for freedom. A series of big hairstyles for women named “à l'américaine” were created to celebrate the French victories and the arms of French heroes. When Benjamin Franklin visited Paris, the Parisians found in his simple, rustic costume the positive image of a republican who aspires to liberty. La Fayette and the soldiers who had campaigned in America momentarily became a model of fashion. But despite those popular fads, there was no new force that could displace Anglomania. Michel Pastoureau insists that the Revolution's stripe originated from the Colonies, but we must distinguish between the democratic stripe and the noble stripe. The influence of America was feeble and was assimilated into English fashion because their simple costume and image of liberty were common to the English.

View full abstract

The first purpose of this study is to find out the family lifestyle during the period of Childbirth Satogaeri which means return to or stay at mother's old home or her parents' home after childbirth. The second is to investigate the relationship between Childbirth Satogaeri and mother's feeling toward child care. The third is to investigate the relationship between Childbirth Satogaeri and the child care support to mother after childbirth. A graph scale was used as it enables objective observations. Responses to the questionnaire were obtained from 141 mothers. The main results are as follows: 1) The amount of housework decreased on the part of mother during the period of Childbirth Satogaeri, but it increased on the part of her mother. In other words, the female members of any family are responsible for much of the housework. 2) After Childbirth Satogaeri, an increase of housework affected negatively mother's efficacy of child care and her affirmative feeling toward the baby. 3) Whether or not mother experiences Childbirth Satogaeri, her near relatives play an important role in child care support when the baby is around four months old.

View full abstract