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Texture changes of canned shrimp were determined by sensory and instrumental methods. A direct relationship was found between sensory perception of toughness and instrumental shear forces measurements in canned shrimp Zacked in 2.6% brine in 307x113 cans, and processed at 124°C. Shrimp muscle toughened during the initial stages of heating and softened during the latter stages of processing. The softening of shrimp texture (shear values) was determined to follow apparent first order behavior. Regression analyses were used to establish apparent reaction rate constants, an apparent activation energy (24 Kcal/mole), textural D values and textural Z values (3O'C).

Soaking and cooking treatments: were evaluated to establish the relationship of various regimes to the development of cooked bean texture and flavor of black beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). A salt combination soaking solution was most effective in promoting bean softening during cooking, compared to no soaking or a distilled water soak. A high correlation was observed between objective and sensory texture scores. An Instron puncture force of.150g (0.14 cm probe, 5 cm/min) accurately defined the “eating‐soft” limit of texture acceptability.

This paper studies the effect of independent directors' multiple directorships (MDs) on firm value and examines the countervailing effects of quality and "busyness." Using a unique panel data set covering all Hong Kong-listed firms, we find that despite independent directors' busyness, there is a strong and positive relation between the number of MDs of independent directors and firm value. We also find, however, that the positive effect of MDs declines at higher levels of busyness. We find that the effects of MDs on firm value are stronger under better corporate governance standards. We show that independent non-executive directors (INEDs) with a CEO position underperform because of busyness. After the requirement of increasing the minimum number of INEDs in Hong Kong from 2004, the quality effect of MDs seems to be reduced, implying the policy may have increased the busyness of some INEDs. Our results are robust to a range of estimation procedures, including alternative MD and firm-performance measurements, and 2SLS. Our empirical evidence suggests that highly engaged independent directors still improve firm value and supports increasing the minimum requirement for the fraction of independent directors, even under a supply constraint of qualified directors.