Commercial Process Research Articles

Approach to Chemical Process Transition Control via Regulatory Controllers with the Case of a Throughput Fluctuating Ethylene Column

For chemical processes, dynamic optimization is employed for process transition. On the basis of the multilayer control structure, the employment of dynamic optimization is affected by the regulatory control system. To avoid the adjustment of the regulatory control system, set-point optimization is proposed. For comparison, two types of optimization models, namely direct optimization and set-point optimization, are formulated. The superiority of set-point optimization is rigorously proven. By simulating the commercial process of a throughput-fluctuating ethylene column, the integrated absolute error and maximum deviation of product quality are reduced by more than 150% with set-point optimization. The results indicate that the approach to process transition via regulatory controllers not only avoids the insecurity caused by the switching of set-point controllers but also improves the optimization performance. In conclusion, the proposed optimization structure, namely set-point optimization, is operable and stable for commercial chemical process transitions.

Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction, Characterization and Assessment of Vegetable Tannins from Guava (Psidium guajava) Leaves for Leather Tanning

For commercial leather processing, chrome tanning is the most used approach but it significantly contributes to environmental pollution. Vegetable tannins, which are large polyphenolic compounds, form strong interactions with proteins and carbohydrates, thereby enhancing the adaptability and value of vegetable-tanned leather as well as reducing environmental impact. In this study, vegetable tannins were extracted from the leaves of Guava plants (Psidium guajava) using ethanol as the solvent, facilitated by ultrasound. Extracted tannins were quantified using the Folin–Ciocâlteu reagent with ultraviolet-visible spectroscopic method. Ultrasound enhanced the extraction process producing a high yield in less time due to its mechanical, thermal, and cavitation impacts. The extracted tannins were characterized by a variety of spectroscopic techniques, including Proton (1H) Nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier-transform infrared, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. The effect of various process variables, such as temperature, solid-liquid ratio, ultrasonic power, extraction period, and powder fineness, were also investigated to optimize the extraction process. Finally, the extracted tannins were employed in leather tanning processes to assess their potential as tanning agents. The extracted tannins ensured uniform diffusion of tannins, improved thermal stability and reduced the number of tannins in effluent by 68% making it an environmentally friendly leather tanning process.

LexA, an SOS response repressor, activates TGase synthesis in Streptomyces mobaraensis

Transglutaminase (EC 2.3.2.13, TGase), an enzyme that catalyzes the formation of covalent cross-links between protein or peptide molecules, plays a critical role in commercial food processing, medicine, and textiles. TGase from Streptomyces is the sole commercial enzyme preparation for cross-linking proteins. In this study, we revealed that the SOS response repressor protein LexA in Streptomyces mobaraensis not only triggers morphological development but also enhances TGase synthesis. The absence of lexA significantly diminished TGase production and sporulation. Although LexA does not bind directly to the promoter region of the TGase gene, it indirectly stimulates transcription of the tga gene, which encodes TGase. Furthermore, LexA directly enhances the expression of genes associated with protein synthesis and transcription factors, thus favorably influencing TGase synthesis at both the transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels. Moreover, LexA activates four crucial genes involved in morphological differentiation, promoting spore maturation. Overall, our findings suggest that LexA plays a dual role as a master regulator of the SOS response and a significant contributor to TGase regulation and certain aspects of secondary metabolism, offering insights into the cellular functions of LexA and facilitating the strategic engineering of TGase overproducers.

Yellow mustard gum: pilot-scale production and characterization.

Yellow mustard gum (YMG), which is extracted from the mucilaginous part of yellow mustard bran, has been considered an emerging natural hydrocolloid gum but lacks commercial development and production. To promote the commercial utilization of YMG, this study developed a pilot-scale YMG production protocol in an economic and environmentally friendly way to produce a clean-label YMG product. This YMG produced at pilot scale (YMW) was characterized in terms of chemical composition, rheological properties, and interaction with a commercial gum, κ-carrageenan, and was compared with purified YMG through ethanol precipitation (YME). The protocol processed up to 100 L of raw material with zero solvent and a minimal number of steps and showed strong quasi-industrial potential. The YMW showed a similar chemical composition as YME. However, the YMW contained a slightly lower amount of carbohydrate and a much larger amount of ash and potassium than the YME. The rheological results concluded that both the YMW and YME solutions exhibited shear-thinning flow behavior and a weak gel, with YME showing higher viscosity and stronger gel structure. Most interestingly, YMW could form unpourable gels when blended with native κ-carrageenan whereas YME barely achieved this despite the equivalent total gum concentration. This study demonstrated the feasibility of YMG production at a large scale with economic and green procedures and discovered its new functionality for commercial utilization. The gelling ability of YMG could provide it with wider applications as a result of a new potential synergistic combination. All this information should accelerate the process of full commercialization of YMG as a clean-label functional ingredient. © 2024 His Majesty the King in Right of Canada. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. Reproduced with the permission of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

Virtual reality as a method of cognitive training of processing speed, working memory, and sustained attention in persons with acquired brain injury: a protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Acquired brain injury (ABI) often leads to persisting somatic, cognitive, and social impairments. Cognitive impairments of processing speed, sustained attention, and working memory are frequently reported and may negatively affect activities of daily living and quality of life. Rehabilitation efforts aiming to retrain these cognitive functions have often consisted of computerized training programs. However, few studies have demonstrated effects that transfer beyond the trained tasks. There is a growing optimism regarding the potential usefulness of virtual reality (VR) in cognitive rehabilitation. The research literature is sparse, and existing studies are characterized by considerable methodological weaknesses. There is also a lack of knowledge about the acceptance and tolerability of VR as an intervention method for people with ABI. The present study aims to investigate whether playing a commercially available VR game is effective in training cognitive functions after ABI and to explore if the possible effects transfer into everyday functioning. One hundred participants (18-65years), with a verified ABI, impairments of processing speed/attention, and/or working memory, and a minimum of 12months post injury will be recruited. Participants with severe aphasia, apraxia, visual neglect, epilepsy, and severe mental illness will be excluded. Participants will be randomized into two parallel groups: (1) an intervention group playing a commercial VR game taxing processing speed, working memory, and sustained attention; (2) an active control group receiving psychoeducation regarding compensatory strategies, and general cognitive training tasks such as crossword puzzles or sudoku. The intervention period is 5weeks. The VR group will be asked to train at home for 30min 5days per week. Each participant will be assessed at baseline with neuropsychological tests and questionnaires, after the end of the intervention (5weeks), and 16weeks after baseline. After the end of the intervention period, focus group interviews will be conducted with 10 of the participants in the intervention group, in order to investigate acceptance and tolerability of VR as a training method. This study will contribute to improve understanding of how VR is tolerated and experienced by the ABI population. If proven effective, the study can contribute to new rehabilitation methods that persons with ABI can utilize in a home setting, after the post-acute rehabilitation has ended.

Techno-economic assessment of renewable dimethyl ether production pathways from hydrogen and carbon dioxide in the context of power-to-X

Dimethyl ether (DME) is an emerging alternative to traditional diesel and LPG as a power-to-X product. This study employs kinetic models to simulate potential DME production routes, assessing key technical and economic performance indicators for comparison. Aspen Plus, a commercial process flowsheet simulation tool, is used alongside Pinch methodology for heat integration. Four production routes are examined: two direct, converting feed gas directly to DME, and two indirect, involving methanol as an intermediate step. For one case in each, CO2 is initially converted to CO via the reverse water gas shift process (rWGS). Post heat integration, all routes exhibit higher cooling demand, with significant energy savings, notably in the indirect pathways. Indirect routes achieve power-to-fuel efficiencies of up to 39.6%, considering electrolysis and carbon capture. Direct routes excel in carbon conversion efficiencies, reaching 92.6%. Economically, indirect routes have higher upfront costs but lower operational expenses due to better energy efficiencies. Direct CO2 conversion yields the lowest levelized manufacturing costs at 2.45 €/kg, closely followed by the indirect route with rWGS. Further research is needed to enhance kinetic models and reduce simulation result uncertainty for direct conversion.

How Demand Shocks “Jumpstart” Technological Ecosystems and Commercialization: Evidence from the Global Electric Vehicle Industry

We examine how exogenous demand shocks overcome ecosystem bottlenecks in the commercialization of an emergent technology. We argue that demand shocks that spur new technology adoption by niche users pull “hub” firms into country technology markets, despite ecosystem bottlenecks, thereby serving to “jumpstart” the process of ecosystem development and technology commercialization. By analyzing global electric vehicle markets over the period 2008–2017, we find that extreme weather events such as abnormal heat-related events spur adoption of electric vehicles by end users, thereby propelling automotive or hub firms’ entry into country technology markets, and the subsequent shift of their electric vehicle product portfolios toward the more radical version of the technology. Notably, such demand shocks propel firms’ commercialization strategy, despite ecosystem bottlenecks such as the lack of regulatory and economic inducements for adoption, relative absence of complements, and product market differences. After entry, entrant firms’ electric vehicle product portfolios transition from hybrids toward radical technology products and investments in complements, albeit contingent on their competitive market position in the legacy technology. We discuss the implications of these findings concerning the uptake of demand shocks, and their robustness to modeling choices, technological generations across extended timeframes, potential mediating forces, and boundary conditions owing to firm and country-market heterogeneity. Supplemental Material: The online appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/stsc.2022.0075 .

Reaction mechanisms for methyl isocyanate (CH3NCO) gas-phase degradation

Methyl isocyanate (MIC) is a toxic chemical found in many commercial, industrial, and agricultural processes, and was the primary chemical involved in the Bhopal, India disaster of 1984. The atmospheric environmental chemical reactivity of MIC is relatively unknown with only proposed reaction channels, mainly involving OH-initiated reactions. The gas-phase degradation reaction pathways of MIC and its primary product, formyl isocyanate (FIC), were investigated with quantum mechanical (QM) calculations to assess the fate of the toxic chemical and its primary transformation products. Transition state energy barriers and reaction energetics were evaluated for thermolysis/pyrolysis-like reactions and bimolecular reactions initiated by relevant radicals (•OH and Cl•) to evaluate the potential energy surfaces and identify the primary reaction pathways and products. Thermolysis/pyrolysis of MIC requires high energy to initiate N-CH3 and C-H bond dissociation and is unlikely to dissociate except under extreme conditions. Bimolecular radical addition and H-abstraction reaction pathways are deemed the most kinetically and thermodynamically favorable mechanisms. The primary transformation products of MIC were identified as FIC, methylcarbamic acid, isocyanic acid (isocyanate radical), and carbon dioxide. The results of this work inform the gas-phase reaction channels of MIC and FIC reactivity and identify transformation products under various reaction conditions.

Exploring the current state of technology transfer in the United States: perspectives and improvement strategies from the experts.

Technology transfer (TT) is a necessary, yet complex process to convey and disseminate scientific knowledge to the commercial sector. However, multiple barriers in TT can impede commercialization and innovative progress. To cultivate a deeper understanding, we conducted five interviews with strategic, elite leaders in different areas of TT in the United States. Experts shared their perspectives on the current state of TT, what needs improvement, and potential solutions to enhance the TT landscape, with a focus on biotechnology and medical devices. The formation of strong management teams, a comprehension of the regulatory, reimbursement, and funding pathways and policies, and thorough market assessments were noted as key aspects for venture success. Collaboration with Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs), industry experts, and strategic partners are also essential to support academic innovators and guide them throughout the complex commercialization process. There is agreement that a venture should have a defined vision and clear goals with a robust business case for the innovation; early involvement of TTOs is essential. Comprehension of the complexities and key facets of TT, while also streamlining the process, will better position biomedical innovators for success.

Eliminating Voids and Residual PbI2 beneath a Perovskite Film via Buried Interface Modification for Efficient Solar Cells.

The commercialization process of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is markedly restricted by the power conversion efficiency (PCE) and long-term stability. During fabrication and operation, the bottom interface of the organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite layer frequently exhibits voids and residual PbI2, while these defects inevitably act as recombination centers and degradation sites, affecting the efficiency and stability of the devices. Therefore, the degradation and nonradiative recombination originating from the buried interface should be thoroughly resolved. Here, we report a multifunctional passivator by introducing malonic dihydrazide as an interfacial chemical bridge between the electron transport layer and the perovskite (PVK) layer. MADH with hydrazine groups improves the surface affinity of SnO2 and provides nucleation sites for the growth of PVK, leading to the reduced residual PbI2 and the voids resulting from the inhomogeneous solvent volatilization at the bottom interface. Meanwhile, the hydrazine group and carbonyl group synergistically coordinate with Pb2+ to improve the crystal growth environment, reducing the number of Pb-related defects. Eventually, the PCE of the PSCs is significantly enhanced benefiting from the reduced interfacial defects and the increased carrier transport. Moreover, the reductive nature of hydrazide further inhibits I2 generation during long-term operation, and the device retains 90% of the initial PCE under a 1 sun continuous illumination exposure of 700 h.

Mechanism of ZnFe2O4 NPs on biohydrogen production by Clostridium pasteurianum

The biohydrogen production in Dark fermentation (DF) could be enhanced by ZnFe2O4 nanomaterials (NPs). The optimum conditions were obtained by a response surface method. Eventually, a biohydrogen production of 2645 mL/L was obtained after 48 h of batch culture, which is 116% higher than control without ZnFe2O4 NPs. The mechanism was investigated by a multi-scale method. In bioreactor scale, ZnFe2O4 NPs could enhance the glucose metabolic ability of C. pasteurianum to promote cell growth and biohydrogen production. The metabolic pathways of biohydrogen production were shifted from the butyric acid-type to the ethanol-type. In cellular scale, ZnFe2O4 NPs could reduce bacterial flagella assembly. In macromolecule scale, the activities of hydrogenase and ethanol dehydrogenase were increased. In genetic scale, the differentially expressed genes mainly involved in biohydrogen production, like those encoded Fe-only hydrogenase, ethanol dehydrogenase, and nitrogenase were up-regulated. The results could provide theoretical and technical supports for the development of commercial biohydrogen process.

Advancement of sustainable trypan blue degradation through rice husk ash based-heterogenous Fenton catalyst and study with gaussian process regression

Dyes and their derivatives have been found to be harmful to aquatic organisms, and discharging dye effluent without proper treatment into the environment can lead to affect the usability of water for distinct purposes, including drinking water, agriculture, and commercial processes. To overcome this environmental crisis a cost-effective rice husk ash (RHA) derived catalyst was synthesized as Fenton catalyst and a new, environmentally, and friendly treatment was used to treat trypan blue (TB) from synthetic wastewater. SEM, EDX, XRD, and FTIR were used to describe the prepared catalyst's comprehensive characterization. The optimization of degradation was observed with the batch study, while the reaction time was 1 h at 313 K with 180 ppm catalyst and 200 ppm of H2O2 under pH of 3. DNA study of treated and untreated wastewater demonstrated the non-toxic nature of treated trypan blue containing wastewater. For the betterment of water quality monitoring system Gaussian process regression (GPR) model was introduced for dye degradation determination and prediction in aqueous medium. By managing and controlling dye levels, treatment plants can mitigate the negative effects on receiving water bodies and ecosystems. The production cost of catalyst per kg of rice husk ash was estimated to $ 15.4803 which can be reused up to four cycles with minimum efficiency of 87 %. The outcomes unequivocally demonstrated that the suggested approach offered a completely sustainable resolution for reducing various forms of waste.

Development of a membrane process in CAPE-OPEN to CAPE-OPEN (COCO) simulator for carbon dioxide separation

Commercial process simulation software like HYSYS® and UniSIM® are available but they require a license to operate. CAPE-OPEN to CAPE-OPEN (COCO) is a free process simulation software that includes many unit operations. In terms of material and energy balance, COCO gives very close results compared to commercial software. Gas-separation membrane can be developed manually in HYSYS® and UniSIM® using a component splitter but this unit is not available in COCO. In this work, a membrane module was built in COCO with the use of the open-source numerical computational application (Scilab). The membrane unit was developed by writing material and energy balance equations in Scilab. The equations were solved numerically by changing the permeate-cut values. The code was then integrated into COCO using the Scilab plugin. The built code was tested with an industrial membrane unit for carbon dioxide separation from flue gas. Results show that the module gives an acceptable error of 4.5 % when performing material and energy balance compared to real data.

IMPACT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN HRM- A CONCEPTUAL STUDY

It is now a necessity of survival rather than choice for businesses to accept and keep technology separate from them. Businesses are now integrating technology with their objectives to guarantee their existence, expansion, and continuity. The company has completely changed due to technological improvements, which have made its commercial processes more efficient and well connected than before. Business technology innovations involve bringing people and machines closer together and investigating methods to use technology to increase productivity, simplicity of use, and efficiency. One such transformation in business is the application of artificial intelligence (AI). In today's cutthroat corporate world, artificial intelligence (AI) is critical to human resource management (HRM). AI has the potential to completely transform HRM procedures by automating mundane jobs, expediting workflows, and offering HR managers specialized solutions. AI can also enhance hiring, training, performance evaluation, and pay administration. HR departments may manage their workforce more effectively and efficiently by utilizing AI technologies. HR organizations may optimize expenses and deliver superior employee service by utilizing AI-powered solutions. AI is playing a bigger role in HRM now that it can help businesses become more efficient while simultaneously raising employee satisfaction. By analyzing employee feedback, HR departments can better understand how employees view their work environment and chances for advancement. This helps HR departments get insights into employee engagement and productivity. It makes it possible for HR departments to automate the hiring process, which facilitates the process of finding qualified applicants. This study can offer insights into AI potential in HRM and assist clarify the existing state of AI in HRM.

Hybrid synaptic structure for spiking neural network realization

Neural networks and neuromorphic computing represent fundamental paradigms as alternative approaches to Von-Neumann-based implementations, advancing in the applications of deep learning and machine vision. Nonetheless, conventional semiconductor circuits encounter challenges in achieving ultra-fast processing speed and low power consumption due to their dissipative properties. Conversely, single flux quantum circuits exhibit inherent spiking behavior, showcasing their characteristics as a promising candidate for spiking neural networks (SNNs). In this work, we present a compact hybrid synapse circuit to mimic the biological interconnect functionality, enabling the weighting operations for excitatory and inhibitory impulses. Additionally, the proposed structure facilitates input accumulation, which is performed before the activation function. In the experiments, our synaptic structure interfaces with a soma circuit fabricated using a commercial Nb process, underscoring its compatibility and supporting its potential for integration into efficient neural network architectures. The weight value on the synapse is configurable by utilizing cryo-CMOS circuits, providing adaptability to the inference networks. We’ve successfully designed, fabricated, and partially tested the JJ-Synapse within our cryocooler system, enabling high-speed inference implementation for SNNs.

Beyond borders: Examining the role of national learned societies in the social sciences and humanities

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to examine the status of national learned societies in social sciences and humanities (SSH) in Europe. Previous research shows that learned societies serve diverse roles in higher education and suggests that national societies come under pressure given different developments, such as internationalization or open science adoption. We investigate a comprehensive range of aspects within national learned societies: primary goals, activities, internationalization, organization, funding, membership, and recent changes, addressing potential pressures arising from them. Using a cross‐national survey involving 194 learned societies across eight European countries, we study: (a) do the previous findings from individual countries or small selections of national societies hold for a broad range of learned societies in SSH across Europe, and (b) are national learned societies coming under pressure due to internationalization and commercialization processes? Our findings confirm previous results from single countries and single disciplines and expand them as our results show that national learned societies in SSH play an important role in Europe in promoting multilingualism in science, collaborating with many stakeholders, and fostering interdisciplinarity. Contrary to previous research, most SSH societies in our study have not undergone significant changes in the past 5 years, challenging expectations of their declining role.

Single-atom Fe catalysts with pyrrolic-type FeN4 sites for efficient oxygen reduction reaction: Identifying the roles of different N species

Developing electrocatalysts with efficient cathode oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), for example, iron-based single-atom catalysts (Fe-SACs), has been deemed necessary to accelerate the commercialisation process of zinc (Zn)–air batteries. Nevertheless, determining how various nitrogen species and active metal centres coordinate on an atomic scale remains unclear and inadequately explained. Herein, we demonstrate a soft-template-aided technique using Fe-containing molecules (e.g. iron phthalocyanine [FePc], Fe-1,10-phenanthroline [Fe-Phen] and Fe-glucose) to enhance the performance of Fe-SACs in terms of ORR. In this technique, FePc molecules can be converted into atomically dispersed pyrrolic-type iron–nitrogen (FeN4) sites during a pyrolytic process. The resultant catalyst exhibits excellent ORR activity (half-wave potential = 0.90 V) in alkaline medium and standing battery performance when used in Zn–air batteries (peak power density = 197.3 mW cm−2 and specific capacity = 796.2 mAh g−1). As per the findings from control experiments and characterisation studies, electron transfer between the support and the active Fe centre amplifies the ORR performance. Theoretical calculations substantiate that Fe sites coordinated with pyrrolic N atoms govern the electronic configuration of the catalysis, reducing the free energy absorption of reaction intermediates and thus increasing its intrinsic ORR capability. Herein, we aim to offer a fresh perspective on the relation between coordination environments and catalytic activity in ORR catalysts.

PSV-5 Influence of an oregano-based essential oil on growth performance and carcass traits of beef steers

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the influence of an oregano-based essential oil on growth performance, health outcomes, and carcass characteristics of yearling beef steers finished in an all-natural program. Single-sourced yearling steers [n = 128; initial body weight (BW) = 335 ± 7.98 kg] were allotted to 16 pens (n = 8 pens/treatment with 8 steers/pen). Steers were blocked by initial BW grouping in a Randomized Complete Block Design (n = 8 blocks total). Groups consisted of 1) control group fed no oregano-based essential oil product (CON) and 2) group fed 4 g/steer daily of By-O-Reg+ Beef (Advanced Ag Products, Canton, SD; OEO). Steers were individually weighed on d 0 (arrival), d 38, d 66, d 108, and d 149 for growth performance measures. Steers were transitioned from a 70% concentrate diet to a diet that contained 90% concentrate over 14 d and remained on the finishing diet until harvest on d 149. The finishing diet provided 1.37 Mcal/kg of NEg. Steers were evaluated daily for indications of disease or visible digestive disorders by a trained technician blinded to the treatments. Steers were fed until visually assessed to have 1.27 cm rib fat and were shipped for harvest at a commercial processing facility. Liver scores and hot carcass weights were recorded at the time of harvest and steer identity was maintained throughout the harvest process. Following an approximately 24 h chilling period, carcass data were recorded, and USDA Yield and Quality Grade were determined. Health outcomes were not influenced by dietary treatment (P ≥ 0.18). Inclusion of OEO did not influence (P ≥ 0.73) carcass-adjusted final BW, DMI, average daily gain (ADG), gain:feed, observed dietary NEm or NEg, observed-to-expected dietary NEm or NEg. In addition, no differences (P ≥ 0.30) were observed between treatment groups for hot carcass weight, dressing percentage, ribeye area, rib fat thickness, calculated yield grade, marbling score, estimated empty body fat percentage, or distribution of USDA Yield and Quality Grades. The OEO treatment tended (P = 0.11) to have a decreased percentage of normal liver scores compared with CON. Collectively, growth performance and carcass traits of yearling steers finished in an all-natural program in this experiment were not influenced by dietary inclusion of an oregano-based essential oil.

Tracking dry gin volatile organic compounds over distillation: a time course study

Why was the work done: The influence of distillation time on the volatile composition of gin has not been examined in detail at a commercial distillery. How was the work done: Headspace Solid-Phase Micro-Extraction Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) was used to tentatively identify 74 aroma compounds, with their concentration tracked in distillate samples over the course of three gin distillations. What are the main findings: Four unique fractions were identified using Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering: ‘heads’, ‘early hearts’, ‘late hearts, and ‘tails’. The hearts fraction (n=24 samples) was examined further, fitting statistically appropriate models to 54 aroma volatiles. Three sub-groups of volatiles were identified, (i) highly volatile monoterpenes with rapidly decreasing concentration over the early hearts fraction, (ii) volatiles whose concentration increased gradually over the hearts fraction and (iii) less volatile sesquiterpenes, sesquiterpenoids, and monoterpenoids which increased rapidly in concentration in the later distillate. Complex cubic models fit 34 volatiles with very high significance (p>0.0001) over the hearts fraction (72%). Informal aroma sensory bench testing identified distinct aroma categories with, for example, ‘Spicy’ being commonly detected in the later distillate. Why is the work important: This investigation characterises the kinetics of flavour extraction over the course of a commercial gin distillation process. These findings highlight the potential for the expression of specific flavour characteristics by modifying the cut points of the distillation process

Validation of a simulated commercial traditional crust pepperoni pizza baking process and thermal inactivation parameters of a 3‐serovar Salmonella inoculum in pizza dough

AbstractThe objective of this study was to validate a simulated commercial baking process for traditional crust pepperoni pizza to inactivate Salmonella when contamination was introduced through inoculated flour and pepperoni slices. The unbleached flour and pepperoni slices were inoculated (separate studies) with a 3‐serovar Salmonella cocktail and dried back to their respective pre‐inoculation water activity level to achieve 6.14 and 6.84 log CFU/g, respectively. The inoculated traditional crust pizza was baked at 260°C (500 °F) for 12 min followed by 15 min of ambient cooling. In both cases, a >6 log CFU/g reduction in Salmonella population was achieved by the first 8 min of baking. The pH (5.23–5.25) and water activity (0.958 ± 0.001–0.938 ± 0.005) of the pizza in this study did not change significantly. The D‐values of 3‐serovar Salmonella cocktail in traditional crust pepperoni pizza dough were 23.2 ± 1.82, 7.50 ± 0.32, and 2.0 ± 0.15 min at 56°C, 59°C, and 62°C, respectively, with a z‐value of 5.7°C. The study validated that traditional crust pepperoni pizzas when baked at 260°C (500 °F) for at least 12 min will reduce Salmonella populations by ≥5 log CFU/g if prebaking contamination occurs via flour and/ or pepperoni.