Feeding Policy Research Articles

Infant Feeding Policy and Programming During the 2014-2015 Ebola Virus Disease Outbreak in Sierra Leone.

Optimal breastfeeding is of vital importance to infant and child health and has been adopted by countries as a standard recommendation. However, in the context of an infectious disease outbreak, especially when the disease is poorly understood, policy makers must balance the benefits of breastfeeding against the risk of disease transmission through breastfeeding. During the 2014-2015 Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in Sierra Leone, the development of correct and consistent messaging about infant feeding and nutrition programming was considerably delayed by numerous challenges. These challenges included a lack of sufficient information about the risk of transmission through human milk, numerous stakeholders, limited communication between coordination pillars, inconsistent and evolving messages from various stakeholders, and the public's distrust of the health system and international actors. For improved response to future disease outbreaks, research on vertical transmission of EVD should be prioritized, infant and young child feeding experts should be integrated into outbreak response collaboration, and a digital repository of potential and appropriately tailored messages should be created.

Simulation and Dynamic Optimization of an Industrial Naphtha Thermal Cracking Furnace Based on Time Variant Feeding Policy

Abstract The main goal of this research is modeling and simulation of ethylene production through naphtha thermal cracking in a coil furnace reactor. The naphtha cracking and decoking processes are modeled based on the mass, energy and momentum balance equations considering a detail kinetic model at pseudo-dynamic condition. To develop a reliable and applicable model, a detail thermal model is considered to predict tube skin temperature. To prove accuracy of developed model and considered assumptions, the simulation results are compared with the plant data. In addition, the results of coke burning in the decoking cycle by mixture of air and steam are presented. It is appeared that ethylene production decreases during the process run time gradually. The simulation results proved that increasing feed temperature, feed pressure and combustion chamber temperature during the process run time is a practical solution to maintain production capacity at an acceptable level. Finally, the optimal operating condition of thermal cracking process is calculated during the process run time based on the time variant feeding policy to achieve maximum ethylene production capacity. It is appeared that applying optimal condition on the system could increase ethylene production capacity from 15.31 ton.h‒1 to 15.49 ton.h‒1.

Modeling errors in parts supply processes for assembly lines feeding

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a quantitative model to assess probability of errors and errors correction costs in parts feeding systems for assembly lines.Design/methodology/approachEvent trees are adopted to model errors in the picking-handling-delivery-utilization of materials containers from the warehouse to assembly stations. Error probabilities and quality costs functions are developed to compare alternative feeding policies including kitting, line stocking and just-in-time delivery. A numerical case study is included.FindingsThis paper confirms with quantitative evidence the economic relevance of logistic errors (LEs) in parts feeding processes, a problem neglected in the existing literature. It also points out the most frequent or relevant error types and identifies specific corrective measures.Research limitations/implicationsWhile the model is general purpose, conclusions are specific to each applicative case and are not generalizable, and some modifications may be required to adapt it to specific industrial cases. When no experimental data are available, human error analysis should be used to estimate event probabilities based on underlying modes and causes of human error.Practical implicationsProduction managers are given a quantitative decision tool to assess errors probability and errors correction costs in assembly lines parts feeding systems. This allows better comparing of alternative parts feeding policies and identifying corrective measures.Originality/valueThis is the first paper to develop quantitative models for estimating LEs and related quality cost, allowing a comparison between alternative parts feeding policies.

Advanced reactor concepts for oxidative coupling of methane

ABSTRACT Oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) has been investigated as an interesting way to obtain higher hydrocarbons from natural gas. The aim of this article is to evaluate the reactor concepts for oxidative coupling of methane, from the 1980s through the current state of the art, giving a general insight into the reactor engineering possibilities and perspectives of application of OCM in large scale reactors. The concepts were classified according to the type of reactor bed, the heat management system, the oxygen feeding policy, the degree of integration with separation units, the relative cost, and the current demonstration on industrial scale.

Hierarchical MPC of batch reactors with shared resources

Multi-reactor semi-batch plants are widespread in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry, since they can produce more flexibly and depending on the product also more profitably than continuous plants. Such reactors usually share resources that are constrained, as for instance raw materials or cooling and heating media. In order to maximize the productivity while respecting product quality constraints, equipment limitations, as well as constraints on the utilization of the shared resources, the feeding policies and temperature profiles in such semi-batch reactors are increasingly optimized online. This can be done by a plant-wide optimizing controller, however, due to robustness, flexibility, and reduced computational effort, distributed schemes that solve the combined trajectory optimization and resource assignment problem are of high interest. In this contribution, we present a hierarchical model predictive control scheme that computes cost and resource optimal trajectories online for a set of semi-batch reactors. Each reactor maximizes its profit function locally by maximizing the amount of product while incurring a cost for the use of the shared resources. On the coordinator level, the future availability of the shared resources is taken into account and the prices are adjusted iteratively, such that the feasibility of the joint operation of all reactors is guaranteed.We show that the problem can be solved using the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM), modified for inequality constraints, and compare the performance of this scheme to a decentralized one. Furthermore, the need to coordinate over the whole prediction horizon is discussed and a reduced coordination horizon and its selection are investigated.

Go NAP SACC: A Valuable and Sustainable Approach for Improving Breastfeeding and Infant Feeding Policies and Practices in Family Child Care Homes

Go NAP SACC: A Valuable and Sustainable Approach for Improving Breastfeeding and Infant Feeding Policies and Practices in Family Child Care Homes

Overview of the infant and young child feeding policy environment in Pakistan: Federal, Sindh and Punjab context

BackgroundAppropriate infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices have been identified as important for appropriate child growth and development. (Ministry of Planning and Development, Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (2012)) Children in Pakistan still experience high rates of malnutrition, indicating a likely need for stronger IYCF policy. The purpose of this study was to identify major stakeholders who shape the IYCF policy environment and analyze which policies protect, promote and support IYCF practices, either directly or indirectly.MethodsThis study was conducted at the federal level, and in the provinces of Sindh and Punjab. We identified policies relevant to IYCF using a matrix developed by the South Asian Infant Feeding Research Network (SAIFRN), designed to capture policies at a range of levels (strategic policy documents through to implementation guidelines) in sectors relevant to IYCF. We analyzed the content using predetermined themes focused on support for mothers, and used narrative synthesis to present our findings. For the stakeholder analysis, we conducted four Net-Map activities with 49 interviewees using the Net-Map methodology. We analyzed the quantitative data using Organizational Risk Analyzer ORA and used the qualitative data to elucidate further information regarding relationships between stakeholders.ResultsWe identified 19 policy documents for analysis. Eleven of these were nutrition and/or IYCF focused and eight were broader policies with IYCF as a component. The majority lacked detail relevant to implementation, particularly in terms of: ownership of the policies by a specific government body; sustainability of programs/strategies (most are donor funded), multi-sectoral collaboration; and effective advocacy and behavior change communication. Data collected through four Net-Map activities showed that after devolution of health ministry, provincial health departments were the key actors in the government whereas UNICEF and WHO were the key donors who were also highly influential and supportive of the objective.ConclusionThis analysis identified opportunities to strengthen IYCF policy in Pakistan through increased clarity on roles and responsibilities, improved multisectoral collaboration, and strong and consistent training guidelines and schedules for community health workers. The current policy environment presents opportunities, despite limitations. Our Net-Map analysis indicated several key government and international stakeholders, who differed across Federal and Provincial study sites. The detailed information regarding stakeholder influence can be used to strengthen advocacy.

Opportunities for strengthening infant and young child feeding policies in South Asia: Insights from the SAIFRN policy analysis project

BackgroundSouth Asian countries experience some of the highest levels of child undernutrition in the world, strongly linked to poor infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices. Strong and responsive policy support is essential for effective interventions to improve IYCF. This study aimed to identify opportunities for strengthening the policy environment in the region to better support appropriate infant and young child feeding.MethodsWe mapped policies relevant to infant and young child feeding in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal, based on a common matrix. The matrix described potentially relevant policies ranging from high-level strategic policy documents to implementation-level guidelines. We analyzed the data based on themes focused on caregiver interactions with IYCF interventions: provision of correct information to mothers, training of frontline workers, enabling mothers to engage with service providers and strategic support for IYCF.ResultsPolicy support for IYCF was present in relation to each of the themes assessed. In all countries, there was support for nutrition in National Development Plans, and all countries had some level of maternity protection and restrictions on marketing of breast milk substitutes. Sectoral and implementation-level policy documents contained provisions for system strengthening for IYCF and for training of frontline workers.ConclusionsThe key opportunities for strengthening IYCF policy support were in relation to translating strategic directives into implementation level documents; improving multi-sectoral support and coordination; and increased clarity regarding roles and responsibilities of frontline workers interacting with mothers. These findings can support efforts to strengthen IYCF policy at the national and regional level.

Model-based intensification of a fed-batch microbial process for the maximization of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) production rate.

An integrated metabolic-polymerization-macroscopic model, describing the microbial production of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) in Azohydromonas lata bacteria, was developed and validated using a comprehensive series of experimental measurements. The model accounted for biomass growth, biopolymer accumulation, carbon and nitrogen sources utilization, oxygen mass transfer and uptake rates and average molecular weights of the accumulated PHB, produced under batch and fed-batch cultivation conditions. Model predictions were in excellent agreement with experimental measurements. The validated model was subsequently utilized to calculate optimal operating conditions and feeding policies for maximizing PHB productivity for desired PHB molecular properties. More specifically, two optimal fed-batch strategies were calculated and experimentally tested: (1) a nitrogen-limited fed-batch policy and (2) a nitrogen sufficient one. The calculated optimal operating policies resulted in a maximum PHB content (94%g/g) in the cultivated bacteria and a biopolymer productivity of 4.2g/(lh), respectively. Moreover, it was demonstrated that different PHB grades with weight average molecular weights of up to 1513kg/mol could be produced via the optimal selection of bioprocess operating conditions.

Recommendations for Infant Feeding Policy and Programs in Dzimauli Region, South Africa: Results From the MAL-ED Birth Cohort.

There is strong evidence that exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in the first 6 months of life reduces the risk of diseases in infancy and in later life. To understand the maternal reasoning that influences optimum infant feeding practices of caregivers in semirural communities of Limpopo province. Nested qualitative study among mothers in an ongoing birth cohort study was conducted; structured and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Data from 234 infants after 6 months of follow-up was included for quantitative analysis. Four focus discussion groups comprising 7 to 10 caregivers were used to obtain perception of mothers on breastfeeding. A semi-structured interview guide was used to stimulate discussions. Thematic content analyses were conducted to identify the main themes that influence breastfeeding practices of caregivers. Over 90% of the caregivers initiated breastfeeding after delivery. However, less than 1% of mothers practiced EBF by 3 months, and none of the children were exclusively breastfed for up to 6 months. All caregivers introduced non-breast milk liquids and solids by the second month of child's life. Common reasons for introducing non-breast milk foods included insufficiency of breast milk production, going back to work or school, and influence by elderly women (mothers/mothers-in-law) and church members. Exclusive breastfeeding was not practiced in this community due to cultural and religious beliefs and misinformation. The involvement of elderly women and church members in infant feeding education and promotion programs and the dissemination of breastfeeding information through mobile phones to younger mothers are recommended.

Policy of feeding very preterm infants with their mother's own fresh expressed milk was associated with a reduced risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Since 2005, the French Food Safety Agency has recommended that very preterm or low-birthweight babies should be fed with pasteurised, expressed breastmilk, and feeding policies on this vary widely in French neonatal units. We investigated the differences between using a mother's expressed milk, in fresh or pasteurised forms, for very preterm infants. This observational multicentre study analysed data on 926 very preterm infants: 636 from neonatal units who used the mother's own fresh milk and 290 who used the mother's milk after pasteurisation. We analysed necrotising enterocolitis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, in-hospital mortality, late-onset sepsis, weight gain, length of hospital stay, the duration of parenteral nutrition and the duration of enteral feeding with a nasogastric tube. Multivariate analyses were conducted to assess the impact of maternal milk policies. After adjustment, there was a reduced risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in the fresh milk group with an odds ratio of 0.40 and 95% confidence interval of 0.27-0.67 (p < 0.001). No other statistically significant differences were observed. Feeding very preterm infants with their mother's expressed fresh milk was associated with a reduced risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and further investigations are needed to evaluate the clinical impact of this practice.

Design methodology for a hybrid part feeding system in lean-based assembly lines

PurposeThis paper aims to propose a combined methodology to help decision makers in evaluating and selecting the most effective part feeding system.Design/methodology/approachAs a first step of the methodology, a hierarchical clustering analysis is applied to design a kitting or hybrid feeding system. Second, activity-based costing methodology is applied to determine which system is better according to their costs. Besides, sensitivity analysis is implemented to observe the behavior of the system in case of the takt time changes.FindingsUsing kitting systems purely can lead to problems because of the big and expensive parts in the mixed-model assembly systems. Therefore, the hybrid feeding policy can provide better solutions for such systems.Research limitations/implicationsA case study is conducted in a company and the most produced product of the company is considered to design the part feeding system. Results indicated that transportation cost has a large proportion on the total cost and the hybrid feeding policy may be a good solution to reduce this cost.Practical implicationsThe paper includes implications for the design of hybrid feeding systems in lean-based assembly lines. The proposed methodology may be a practical tool for decision makers to design and decide on the part feeding policy.Originality/valueKitting design has not been studied yet to the best of the authors’ knowledge. Besides, there is no certain decision methodology indicating which system is better. In this study, different methods are combined as a new methodology with the purpose of industrial decision-making.

Reduction in necrotising enterocolitis after implementing an evidence-based enteral nutrition protocol in very low birth weight newborns

Introduction An unexpected increase in the incidence of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) cases was observed in our hospital. Just in case, our feeding policy could be responsible, it was decided to conduct a systematic review and develop a clinical guideline regarding enteral nutrition of very low birth weight infants (VLBW). Objective To assess the impact of the new feeding protocol in the incidence of NEC. Method A “before” (2011) and “after” (May 2012–April 2013) study was performed on the new feeding protocol. This included initiation of enteral feeding in the absence of haemodynamic problems, a trophic feeding period of 5–7 days, and subsequent increments of 20–30 mL/kg/day, of breast milk/donor human milk from the beginning. Probiotics were not administered. Primary outcome: incidence of NEC II 2 Bell's stage. Secondary outcomes: focal intestinal perforation, overall mortality and mortality due to NEC, nosocomial sepsis; weight at 28 days and 36 weeks; % of infants with weight p < 10 at discharge; and length of stay. Results Of the 270 VLBW infants, 155 were included in the “before” group, and 115 in the “after” group. NEC significantly decreased (12/155 vs 1/115, p = .008). A decrease in mortality rate was also observed (17.4% vs 7.8%, p = .02). In four cases NEC was part of the sequence of events that led to death in the first cohort, with none in the second. There was no difference in the incidence of focal intestinal perforation or of the other secondary variables analysed. Conclusions Implementation of an evidence-based enteral feeding protocol leads to a decrease in incidence of NEC, without increasing hospital stay or the incidence of sepsis.

Self-reported breast feeding practices and the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: prospective cohort study

BackgroundThe Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) is a practice guideline for healthcare providers to promote breastfeeding and increase breastfeeding rates.ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine reported experiences and views on breastfeeding...

Agricultura Familiar, Políticas Públicas e Cidadania: conexões construídas a partir da operacionalização do Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar

Neste artigo analisa-se o processo de usufruto das prerrogativas dispostas no Programa Nacional da Alimentação Escolar- PNAE pelos agricultores familiares fornecedores de produtos ao Programa. A discussão apresentada foi feita a partir de revisão da literatura sobre a participação da Agricultura Familiar no PNAE e de pesquisa de campo realizada em 2013 e 2014 sobre as experiências de acesso dos agricultores na política de fornecimento de produtos para a alimentação escolar nos municípios de Brasil Novo, estado do Pará, e Cachoeira do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul. O estudo mostra que o fornecimento de produtos da agricultura familiar para a alimentação escolar não expressa necessariamente a apropriação do direito à venda pelos agricultores fornecedores. A participação dos agricultores familiares no PNAE não pode ser considerada apenas no contexto da geração de renda, uma vez que a aquisição de produtos não está relacionada apenas ao mercado. Nesse sentido, o reconhecimento social dos mesmos como produtores de alimentos, a apropriação do direito conquistado e as mudanças nas estruturas de oportunidades também são elementos importantes. Constatou que, apesar de incongruências que por ventura aparecem no processo de compra e venda de produtos da Agricultura Familiar através dos programas governamentais, está ocorrendo modificações na organização sociopolítica e produtiva dos atores. Conclui-se que a implementação das prerrogativas do PNAE, a partir da Lei 11.947/2009, ampliou as oportunidades sociais dos agricultores familiares, propiciando e fomentando novas possibilidades comerciais, novos modos de fazer agricultura, de organização social e a conquista de nova forma de cidadania.

Reducción de la enterocolitis necrosante tras la introducción de un protocolo de alimentación enteral basado en la evidencia en recién nacidos de muy bajo peso

IntroductionAn unexpected increase in the incidence of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) cases was observed in our hospital. Just in case, our feeding policy could be responsible, it was decided to conduct a systematic review and develop a clinical guideline regarding enteral nutrition of very low birth weight infants (VLBW). ObjectiveTo assess the impact of the new feeding protocol in the incidence of NEC. MethodA “before” (2011) and “after” (May 2012 - April 2013) study was performed on the new feeding protocol. This included initiation of enteral feeding in the absence of haemodynamic problems, a trophic feeding period of 5-7 days, and subsequent increments of 20-30ml/kg/day, of breast milk/donor human milk from the beginning. Probiotics were not administered. Primary outcome: incidence of NEC II 2 Bell's stage. Secondary outcomes: focal intestinal perforation, overall mortality and mortality due to NEC, nosocomial sepsis; weight at 28 days and 36 weeks; % of infants with weight <p10 at discharge; and length of stay. ResultsOf the 270 VLBW infants, 155 were included in the “before” group, and 115 in the “after” group. NEC significantly decreased (12/155 vs 1/115, P=.008). A decrease in mortality rate was also observed (17.4% vs 7.8%, P=.02). In four cases NEC was part of the sequence of events that led to death in the first cohort, with none in the second. There was no difference in the incidence of focal intestinal perforation or of the other secondary variables analysed. ConclusionsImplementation of an evidence-based enteral feeding protocol leads to a decrease in incidence of NEC, without increasing hospital stay or the incidence of sepsis.

A review of infant and young child feeding practice in hospital and the home in KwaZulu-Natal Midlands

Background: Malnutrition remains a major health burden globally. To date the focus in South Africa has been on exclusive breastfeeding from birth to 6 months, with less attention on feeding of the infants beyond 6 months.Objectives: To describe infant and young child feeding practices at home and in hospital in KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, South Africa, and determine if feeding practices conform to national feeding policies. No statistical correlation was done.Methodology: A descriptive study, using structured questionnaires for mothers of infants and young children up to the age of five years, and healthcare professionals in state hospitals, was conducted in 2011 in 12 hospitals in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, South Africa.Results: Seventy-six percent (76%) of infants were ever exclusively breastfed with just 36% being exclusively breastfed beyond three months. Complementary feeds were commenced in 84% of infants younger than 6 months of age. Age-specific meals were provided for children below 2 years (93%) and for participants above 2 years (78%). Approximately 61% of infants and children between 6 and 24 months received more than three cups of milk per day in hospital with only 26% of children between 2 to 5 years receiving any milk. Majority of children (48%) aged 2 to 5 years received only one snack per day, which is suboptimal.Conclusion: Feeding messages focus on breastfeeding. Breastfeeding rates have improved in this region since 2003, but exclusive breastfeeding is of limited duration. Early complementary feeding is a problem in the Midlands. This study has identified that age-specific feeding of infants and young children is not recognised in state hospitals, due to the inadequate frequency of feeding. There is a discrepancy between intention and practice among healthcare professionals in feeding infants and young children. Feeding messages have to expand beyond breastfeeding and complementary feeding, with ongoing training of healthcare professionals in this field.

Electrochemical activity of sulfur networks synthesized through RAFT polymerization

ABSTRACTNovel results concerning the inverse vulcanization of sulfur using reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization are here reported. It is shown that RAFT polymerization can be used to carry out this crosslinking process, with the additional possibility to extend the reaction time from a few minutes as with classical free radical polymerization (FRP) to several hours. Higher control on viscosity and processability of the synthesized networks, as well as, the implementation of semibatch feed policies during crosslinking are important advantages of the RAFT process here explored comparatively to the FRP inverse vulcanization. Using cyclic voltammetry, it was assessed the electrochemical activity of the synthesized sulfur‐rich polymer networks. It is shown that the fundamental electrochemical activity of the elemental sulfur was preserved in the produced materials. Testing of electrochemical cells assembled with lithium in the anode and different sulfur based materials in the cathode, including the synthesized RAFT networks, is also shown. The results here presented highlight the new opportunities introduced by reversible‐deactivation radical polymerization mechanisms on the control of the synthesis process and in the design of such advanced materials and show also that many potential derivatizing possibilities can be achieved. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43993.

Impact of a new aggressive nutrition policy incorporating early introduction of parenteral nutrition and mother's own milk on growth of preterm infants.

Most of the evidence on early feeding of preterm infants was derived from high income settings, it is equally important to evaluate whether it can be successfully implemented into less resourced settings. This study aimed to compare growth and feeding of preterm infants before and after the introduction of a new aggressive feeding policy in Penang Hospital, a tertiary referral hospital in a middle income country. The new aggressive feeding policy was developed mainly from Cochrane review evidence, using early parenteral and enteral nutrition with standardized breastfeeding counselling aimed at empowering mothers to provide early expressed milk. A total of 80 preterm babies (34 weeks and below) discharged from NICU were included (40 pre- and 40 post-intervention). Pre and post-intervention data were compared. The primary outcome was growth at day 7, 14, 21 and at discharge and secondary outcomes were time to full oral feeding, breastfeeding rates, and adverse events. Complete data were available for all babies to discharge. One baby was discharged prior to day 14 and 10 babies before day 21, so growth data for these babies were unavailable. Baseline data were similar in the two groups. There was no significant weight difference at 7, 14, 21 days and at discharge. More post-intervention babies were breastfed at discharge than pre-intervention babies (21 vs. 8, P=0.005). Nosocomial infection (11 vs. 4, P=0.045), and blood transfusion were significantly lower in the postintervention babies than in the pre-intervention babies (31 vs. 13, P=0.01). The post-intervention babies were more likely to achieve shorter median days (interquartile range) to full oral feeding [11 (6) days vs. 13 (11) days, P=0.058] and with lower number affecting necrotising enterocolitis (0 vs. 5, P=0.055). Early aggressive parenteral nutrition and early provision of mother's milk did not result in improved growth as evidenced by weight gain at discharge. However we found more breastfeeding babies, lower nosocomial infection and transfusion rates. Our findings suggest that implementing a more aggressive feeding policy supported by high level scientific evidence is able to improve important outcomes.

Model‐based optimization of the feeding policy of a fluidized bed bioreactor for mercury uptake by immobilized Pseudomonas putida cells

AbstractA model‐based analysis of a three‐phase continuously operated fluidized bed bioreactor is developed in order to determine the multi‐objective optimal feeding policy of the immobilized biomass used for removing mercury ions from wastewater. The analysis is focus on finding the optimal feeding policy of alginate porous beads of known particle size containing immobilized biomass (Pseudomonas putida bacteria) to minimize the biomass consumption, while keeping a quasi‐constant high conversion. The extended bioreactor model is accounting for the biomass growth, biodegradation, and its partial leakage and washout. Bioreactor dynamics prediction has been generated by using a simple Michaelis–Menten kinetic model adopted from literature. The resulted optimal feeding policy of the bioreactor points out the importance of the adoption of an extended and adequate process/reactor model able to solve engineering operation problems by quickly adjusting the feeding conditions according to the time‐varying characteristics of the biomass culture and to the limited possibilities to control the process during the wastewater residence time in the bioreactor. © 2016 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.