Characteristics Of Final Product Research Articles

Comparative study of the thermo‐catalytic reforming of agricultural and forest residue and advanced characterization of final products in a cold climate

AbstractGlobal agricultural and forest residues hold promise for renewable fuel production through thermo‐catalytic reforming (TCR). Limited data exists on TCR outcomes for regions known for cold conditions like Canada. This study used a 2 kg h−1 TCR unit for the intermediate pyrolysis/reforming of agricultural (wheat straw pellet, WSP) and forest (softwood pellet, SWP) residues. Maximum bio‐oil yields were 8.43% for wheat straw pellets and 7.99% for softwood pellets at 400 and 500°C reactor and reformer temperatures. Feedstock, bio‐oil, and biochar properties were analyzed through proximate and ultimate analysis. At 550°C reactor and 700°C reforming temperatures, 70.73% of the wheat straw pellet‐based gas yield contained 36.11 vol.% H2 and 11.08 vol.% CH4, giving a higher heating value (HHV) of 12.54 MJ kg−1. A high concentration of CH4 (22.02 vol.%) in the softwood pellet‐based gas gave an HHV of 17.94 MJ kg−1. The low viscosity (3.9 mPa · s−1) and total acid number (7.3 mg KOH g−1) wheat straw pellet‐based bio‐oil had an O/C molar ratio of 0.09 and an HHV of 35.80 MJ kg−1. The 400/600°C reactor/reformer temperatures gave the lowest area percentage of mono‐aromatic (16 vol.%) and polycyclic aromatic (11.20 vol.%) compounds in the softwood pellet bio‐oil. The O/C molar ratio (0.5–0.6) in softwood pellet biochar elevated the higher heating value from 32.37 to 34.57 MJ kg−1. The study results guide optimal TCR unit operation in cold climates like Canada with local feedstocks, emphasizing its notable hydrogen production over bio‐oil and biochar.

Research on the Hot Straightening Process of Medium-Thick Plates Based on Elastic-Viscoplastic Material Modeling.

With the continuous improvement in the strength of medium-thick plate materials, the hot straightening of plates at high temperatures is increasingly influencing the final defect characteristics of products. In the high-temperature hot straightening process, the temperature and straightening speed of the plate significantly influence its intrinsic material properties, which, in turn, affect the straightening characteristics of the plate. However, most current material models used in the straightening process do not consider the relationship between temperature and strain rate, which leads to an inaccurate characterization of the actual material structure. Additionally, the continuous reverse bending mechanics model for straightening does not account for the impact of different bending strain rates on the bending characteristics of the plate in the thickness direction. In this study, a numerical calculation method was employed to investigate the evolution process of stress and curvature in the roll-type hot straightening process of medium-thick plates. Experimental data and mathematical methods were utilized to develop a viscous plastic material model that accounted for temperature and strain rate. Furthermore, a cross-sectional continuous reverse bending model was established, taking into account the temperature and straightening speed, enabling a reasonable interpretation of the mechanical parameter behaviors of medium-thick plates during high-temperature straightening.

Optimization of foam mat drying using Central Composite Design to produce mixed juice powder: A process and characterization study

This study aimed to optimize the mixed juice powder through foam mat drying to achieve a high solubility index. The process variables were optimized using a central composite design, assessing the influence of foaming agent concentration (5, 10, and 15) (% w/w), drying temperature (50, 60, and 70) °C, and foam thickness (2, 4, and 6) mm on powder solubility. The optimized juice was evaluated for the physical, chemical, technological characteristics and bioactive compounds. The optimal conditions were determined as a drying temperature (60.27 °C), foam thickness (2.82 mm), and 8.56 (% w/w) maltodextrin. The final product characterization revealed notable properties, including a soluble solids content of 8.75 °Brix, pH of 4.48 ± 0.01, and water activity of 0.44 ± 0.04. The analysis covered aspects related to color, porosity, sedimentation index, and solubility, highlighting a browning index of 0.81 ± 0.03. The powder microstructure exhibited a variety of shapes, reflecting the stability of the foam. The results confirmed the stability of the mixed juice powder, indicating that it maintained a consistent total carotenoid concentration of 10.65 μg/g and preserved its physicochemical characteristics. The cubic response surface model was the most suitable for solubility response with maximum value desirability (1.00).

Study of the effects of pasteurization and selected microbial starters on functional traits of fermented table olives

Table olives are one of the most known fruit consumed as fermented food, being a fundamental component of the Mediterranean diet. Their production and consumption continue to increase globally and represent an important economic source for the producing countries. One of the most stimulating challenges for the future is the modernization of olive fermentation process. Besides the demand for more reproducible and safer production methods that could be able to reduce product losses and potential risks, producers and consumers are increasingly attracted by the final product characteristics and properties on human health.In this study, the contribution of microbial starters to table olives was fully described in terms of specific enzymatic and microbiological profiles, nutrient components, fermentation-derived compounds, and content of bioactive compounds. The use of microbial starters from different sources was tested considering their technological features and potential ability to improve the functional traits of fermented black table olives.For each fermentation assay, the effects of controlled temperature (kept at 20 °C constantly) versus not controlled environmental conditions (oscillating between 7 and 17 °C), as well as the consequences of the pasteurization treatment were tested on the final products. Starter-driven fermentation strategies seemed to increase both total phenolic content and total antioxidant activity. Herein, among all the tested microbial starters, we provide data indicating that two bacterial strains (Leuconostoc mesenteroides KT 5-1 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum BC T3-35), and two yeast strains (Saccharomyces cerevisiae 10A and Debaryomyces hansenii A15-44) were the better ones related to enzyme activities, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity. We also demonstrated that the fermentation of black table olives under not controlled environmental temperature conditions was more promising than the controlled level of 20 °C constantly in terms of technological and functional properties considered in this study. Moreover, we confirmed that the pasteurization process had a role in enhancing the levels of antioxidant compounds.

Hard Candy Production and Quality Parameters: A review.

Hard candies are sugar confections comprising mainly water and sucrose. Corn syrup, colorants and flavors are also usually added to hard candy formulations. The production of hard candy requires heating of the ingredients to very high temperatures to reduce moisture content and subsequent cooling to obtain a solid matrix. Cooling of the mixtures achieves the final, well known glassy state of the products. In this glassy state, the system is kinetically stable and molecular mobility is restricted, providing longer shelf life to hard candies. There are, however, several factors affecting the final quality and consumer acceptance of hard candies. Production methods and parameters, initial formulations as well as storage conditions all play a crucial role in the physicochemical, textural and sensory properties of hard candies. Addition of colorants and flavors also plays a vital role in the final quality. Although hard candy production is a simple process with few production stages, even small changes in the method of production and process parameters may induce substantial changes in the final product characteristics. Additionally, storage conditions such as temperature and humidity can change the product properties leading to graining and stickiness which are the two major problems for hard candies during storage. Both production and storage conditions should therefore be carefully chosen and controlled for desirable hard candy properties. This review addresses the general production methods and considers process parameters and quality parameters of hard candy products. Moreover, a comprehensive review of the related hard candy literature is also presented. The majority of hard candy reviews focus on specific methods and processes, but this review will present a more general frame on the subject.

Requirement Engineering Methods for Virtual Reality Software Product Development - A Mapping Study

Software practitioners use various methods in Requirements Engineering (RE) to elicit, analyze and specify the requirements of a enterprise products. The methods impact the final product characteristics and influence product delivery. Ad-hoc usage of the methods by software practitioners can lead to inconsistency and ambiguity in the product. With the notable rise in enterprise products, games, etc. across various domains, Virtual Reality (VR) has become an essential technology for the future. The methods adopted for requirement engineering for developing VR products requires a detailed study. This paper presents a mapping study on requirement engineering methods prescribed and used for developing VR applications including requirements elicitation, requirements analysis, and requirements specification. Our study provides insights into the use of such methods in the VR community and suggests using specific requirement engineering methods in various fields of interest. We also discuss future directions in requirement engineering for VR products.

The Effects of an Aligned Magnetic Field on Nanofluid Flow with Newtonian Heating

Magnetic field involvement can influence heat absorption in electrically conducting fluid flow, which is useful in the control of features of final products in industries such as radiation therapy, aeronautics, and MHD generators. Consequently, this study investigates the effect of an aligned magnetic field on nanofluid flow over a stretching sheet with the boundary condition of Newtonian heating. Steady nanofluid flow with copper as chosen nanoparticles and water as conventional base fluid is considered. The problem is governed by a system of nonlinear boundary layer equations with appropriate boundary conditions which are then transformed into non-dimensionless equations using an appropriate similarity transformation. A numerical approach known as Keller-Box method is used to solve the transformed governing equations. The numerical solutions obtained are presented graphically in the form of velocity and temperature profiles for different values of aligned angle of magnetic field, Newtonian heating parameter, Prandtl number and nanoparticles volume fraction. A significant increase in aligned angle results in a decrease in fluid velocity, but an increase in temperature profile of nanofluid flow. The increment in the Newtonian heating parameter as well as the nanoparticle volume fraction also causes the temperature to increase.

Multi-dimensional tailoring of the thermometric behaviors of Er3+/Yb3+-codoped Y2W3O12 polychromatic upconverting microparticles for multi-mode visual optical thermometry

To combat the thermal quenching and inadequate sensitivities of luminous materials, the Y1.98–2xW3O12:0.02Er3+/2xYb3+ (YWO:Er3+/2xYb3+; 0.01 ≤ x ≤ 0.11) microparticles with splendid negative thermal expansion (NTE) effect were designed. Excited at 980 nm, the produced samples emit polychromatic upconversion (UC) emissions triggered by the energy back transfer from Er3+ to Yb3+ and it has been systematically discussed via steady-state rate theory. The thermally enhanced UC emissions are accomplished in YWO:Er3+/2xYb3+ microparticles due to the distinctive NTE properties. Moreover, according to the temperature-associated UC emissions of Er3+ arising from its thermally coupled levels (TCLs) and non-thermally coupled levels (non-TCLs), the thermometric properties of synthesized microparticles are investigated. When non-TCLs are adopted, the absolute and relative sensitivities of resultant microparticles are 0.0129% and 1.7875% K−1, respectively. Furthermore, through manipulating doping content and spatial mode, the temperature sensing capacities of YWO:Er3+/2xYb3+ microparticles are multi-dimensionally regulated. In addition, contactless temperature recognition can also be realized through analyzing the thermochromic features of final products and its relative sensitivity is 2.1604% K−1. Ultimately, visual optical temperature detection is obtained in designed microparticles via its temperature-related emitting colour. Our findings may provide an important insight into the design of luminescent materials with high sensitivities for multi-mode visual optical thermometry.

Simulation of bread baking with a conceptual agent-based model: An approach to study the effect of proofing time on baking behavior

The proofing process is crucial for determining the final characteristics of bakery products. The aim of this work was, therefore, to develop an agent-based model that can predict the effect of proofing time on the moisture content, temperature and changes in physicochemical characteristics of different parts of bread during baking. Results of this study showed that the moisture content of the crumb for fermented dough increased to a peak of 62% in the middle of baking, whereas it decreased to less than 10% in bread crust. However, the moisture content of the crumb was nearly unchanged in unfermented samples and decreased to 32% at the end of baking. Evaporation zones initially formed in the thinner parts of the crust when bread, a porous material, was heated from the surface; this led to the development of spots with higher temperatures during the subsequent baking steps. During baking, the values for density, specific heat capacity, and thermal conductivity changed in a manner that was primarily downward for the crust and upward for the crumb. Moreover, any changes in moisture content and temperature of crust happened more faster than they did in the crumb. It was found that the shape and location of the slowest heating zone in fermented dough was more dependent on the internal structure rather than the geometry of samples. The results of this research showed that the simulated moisture content and temperature of bread had a good agreement with the experimental measurements of these parameters. This study improved our knowledge of the mechanisms by which the physicochemical properties of bread change with the duration of fermentation, which can help producers improve the quality of their final products through controlling the proofing time.

Evaluation of the viscoelastic properties of pork liver pâté during sterilisation observed in situ

The first aim of the study was to observe in situ changes in the viscoelastic properties of pork liver pâté during an increase in temperature (the target temperature of 122 °C), holding it (10 min), and the subsequent cooling thereof using a dynamic oscillatory rheometry equipped with a pressure cell. At the same time, the samples were treated according to the same sterilisation mode in an autoclave. The second objective was to characterise the physical, chemical and microscopic properties of the sterilised pork liver pâté samples after 7 days of storage at 5 °C. A sharp decrease in the values of the storage (G'; Pa) and loss (G''; Pa) moduli up to ≈58 °C was followed by a stagnation of these parameters up to ≈70 °C and a further increase in G' and G'' up to ≈85 °C. After cooling the sterilised samples, the G' and G'' values were significantly higher than those of the original untreated sample. Knowledge about the course of the viscoelastic moduli development during sterilisation and subsequent cooling and the quality characteristics of final food products is crucial for the control of these processes during manufacturing and for information important for pipeline transport. In the future, selected hydrocolloids could be evaluated as possible substances for confirmation of their effect on the viscoelastic properties during sterilisation.

Synthesis of Chiral Diazabicycloalkanes via Organocatalytic aza‐Michael/Aldol Reaction

AbstractWe introduce a strategy for the one‐step synthesis of chiral diazabicycloalkanes that delivers the annulated ring system in a single reaction step. The method entails a direct aza‐Michael/aldol reaction of enals in conjunction with modified oxopropanamides and establishes the chiral center via iminium‐enamine tandem catalysis. For this purpose, we developed simple diphenylethylendiamine frameworks as dual activation organocatalyst, effectively engaging both the substrate and reagent, thus leading to yields of 31–86% and enantioselectivities in the range of 80–98%. The final product features not only the diazabicycloalkane moiety but includes also additional functionalities, such as aldehyde motives that can be modified in situ without loss of enantioselectivity, and an sp2‐bearing methyl group. Our approach accommodates a wide array of enals with high functional group tolerance. Additionally, we demonstrated the adjustability of enantioselectivity and yield by modulating the acid cocatalyst‘s quantity, thus offering multiple optimization possibilities.

Manufacturing, Characterization and Anti-Tumor Activity of Allogeneic CD19-CAR Cytokine-Induced Killer (CIK) Cells Engineered with Non-Viral Sleeping Beauty Transposon System and Armored with IL-18

Rationale & Objective: Adoptive cell therapy by chimeric antigen receptor- engineered cytokine-induced killer (CAR-CIK) cells has demonstrated high therapeutic potential with minimal alloreactivity and little to no toxicity in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients, but further development is required to improve anti-tumor activity and persistence in vivo. The expression of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-18 (IL-18) has been shown to greatly enhance CAR-T cells potency and persistence. The purpose of the work described here was to develop a workflow for the manufacture of functional CAR-CIK cells, using the non-viral Sleeping Beauty transposon system, that co-express a second generation CD19-targeted CAR and the proinflammatory cytokine IL-18, hereafter referred to as CARCIK-1918 cells. The CAR molecule expressed by these cells includes an attenuated CD28 intracellular domain for enhancement of anti-tumor activity and in vivo persistence. Characterization of the manufactured armored CARCIK-1918 cells and evaluation of their anti-tumor activity in vitro and in vivo were performed. Methods: PBMCs isolated from healthy donors were cultured with IFN-γ, stimulated with anti-CD3 and IL-2, electroporated for non-viral genetic modification with Sleepy Beauty transposase RNA (SB100X) and pT4-1928'z-IL18 bicistronic plasmid DNA, and cultured for 15 days (17-day process). In process and final product characterization included monitoring of cell culture composition, cell expansion and viability, and evaluation of the expression of CAR, CIK proteins CD56 and NKG2D, and memory phenotype markers using flow cytometry. The final product CARCIK-1918 cells were further characterized by in vitro stimulation with CD19 + REH tumor cells to assess tumor killing activity and IL-18 secretion. CARCIK-1918 in vivo efficacy and persistence were also investigated in an NSG/Daudi mouse model. Mice were grafted with CD19 + Daudi tumor cells and, after 2 days, received an intravenous injection of 5x10 6 or 10x10 6 CARCIK-1918 cells. Daudi-grafted untreated mice were used as controls. Survival was monitored, and tumor burden and CAR-CIK cell persistence evaluated by using flow cytometry to assess human CD19 + and human CD3 + cells respectively, in peripheral blood, bone marrow, spleen, and kidney. Results: We manufactured >15 lots of CARCIK-1918 cells. After electroporation on day 2, CAR expression was already detected at day 7 and increased during the expansion culture. After the 17-day process, the range of harvested cells was 4.4E+09 to 1.6E+10 viable cells, with a cell viability >94%, and a fold expansion that varied among lots (range 20.1 - 161.4). The final CARCIK-1918 cells were predominantly CD3 +, expressed both the CAR (range 13 - 81%) and CIK-specific markers CD56 (range 27 - 88%) and NKG2D (range 59 - 86%) at variable levels among batches, and showed mostly a central memory/effector memory phenotype. CARCIK-1918 cells demonstrated potent and specific in vitro cytotoxicity towards the CD19 + REH target cell line. Cells secreted IL-18 only in the presence of CD19 + target cells (range 62.17 - 560.58 pg/mL). In addition, CARCIK-1918 cells had a substantial anti-leukemic activity in vivo. CARCIK-1918 injection resulted in a significant dose-dependent reduction of tumor growth and improved survival, as compared with untreated NSG/Daudi mice. CARCIK-1918 cells persisted in vivo in mouse peripheral blood up to 90 days. Post-mortem analysis demonstrated that CARCIK-1918 cells from both dose levels persisted over time and limited the level of leukemic cell dissemination in the animals, with 10x10 6 regimen allowing an almost total control of the disease progression in all tissue examined. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study demonstrates that manufacturing of armored CAR-CIK cells using Sleepy Beauty non-viral transposon system and 2 nd generation CD19 CAR with an attenuated CD28 costimulatory domain and armored with IL-18 is feasible and allows rapid and efficient expansion of highly potent CARCIK-1918 cells. These cells demonstrated potent and specific anti-tumor activity in vitro and a robust anti-leukemic activity in vivo. These findings provide the first reported successful production of IL-18 armored CAR-CIK cells offering a promising strategy for the treatment of B-cell malignancies.

Using of Limestone Cement in Fibre-Cement Corrugated Sheets Production

The paper deals with the production of fibre-cement and the use of limestone cement in its production. The paper describes the basic properties of final products, the basic raw materials and the Hatschek production technology used for the production of corrugated sheets. The attention is paid especially to the wet part of the production when describing the production process. The emphasis was mainly placed on the preparation of fibre-cement slurry and the gradual formation of a layer of fibre-cement on the surface of the cylindrical sieve. The paper describes the possible use of limestone cement in the production of corrugated sheets. Trial recipes were designed with using limestone cement CEM II with and without separately dosed limestone. The fibre-cement corrugated sheets were produced with using Hatschek technology. Mainly was investigated the influence of limestone dosing on the strength characteristics and the volume weight of the final products. The produced sheets were tested according to EN 494+A1: 2016 Fibre-cement profiled sheets and fittings - Product specification and test methods. The tested samples reached comparable results like sheets produced according to standard recipe. No negative effect on the strength characteristics of final products was proven between the standard and the trial recipes.

Use of Alternative Raw Materials for the Production of Fiber Cement Products

The paper deals with the production of fiber cement and the use of alternative raw materials in its production. The paper describes the basic technologies used for the production of fiber cement with a description of their advantages and disadvantages for the given type of product. The paper also describes the most commonly used types of fillers and their impact on the final fiber cement products. The paper also describes selected alternative raw materials used for the production of fiber cement and their impact on the final products. The paper describes the possible use of waste dust from facade fiber cement boards in the production of corrugated sheets. Trial recipes were designed with partial replacement of original raw materials with waste dust. The fiber-cement corrugated sheets were produced with using Hatchesk technology. Mainly was investigated the influence of the addition of waste dust on the strength characteristics and the volume weight of the final products. The produced sheets were tested according to EN 494+A1: 2016 Fibre-cement profiled sheets and fittings - Product specification and test methods. The tested samples with waste dust reached comparable results like sheets produced according to standard recipe. No negative effect was proven of the addition of waste dust on the strength characteristics of final products.

Effect of Cold Brew Coffee Storage in Industrial Production on the Physical-Chemical Characteristics of Final Product.

The purpose of this article is to present information about changes in physical properties (pH, TA, and color) and chemical components with bioactive activity in cold brew coffee beverages, during storage before and after HTST processing. Coffee samples were tested using industrial technology (12,000 bottles per batch). The antioxidant activity of the samples was analyzed using ABTS and FRAP methods, the concentration of polyphenols was determined using the UPLC-MS chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry method, and microbiological tests were performed according to PN-ISO/PN-EN ISO standards. The pH value decreased during coffee storage, and the color changed significantly in brightness. Polyphenol concentrations were calculated in the range of 1800 to almost 3400 mg/L, and the antioxidant capacity for ABTS and FRAP reached the ranges of the results successively: 123-195 µMol/100 mL and 158-212 µMol/100 mL. It was observed that HTST pasteurization has a beneficial effect on preserving the beverage in microbiological terms. Also, a positive effect of the process on the release of chemical components responsible for bioactive properties from the beverage was observed, followed by a reduction in antioxidant activity during the first 90 days of storage and between 180 and 270 days during storage.

Non-aldehyde resins based on resorcinol and natural alkylresorcinols modified with styrene

The use of natural alkylresorcinols produced in Estonia (5-methylresorcinol, HONEYOL80 fraction) instead of the expensive resorcinol reduces the cost of the synthesized resins while maintaining their high technological characteristics. Resins based on resorcinol (R), 5-methylresorcinol (5-MR), HONEYOL80, dicyclopentadiene (DCPD), and styrene (S) were synthesized in the presence of an acid catalyst. Their physical and chemical characteristics have also been studied. It was shown that depending on the mole ratio of the components of the formulation, resins with different softening temperatures (66 to 97 °C), ash content of 0.04 to 0.39 wt%, and a low content of volatile components at 105 °C, including moisture, were obtained. The best conditions for the synthesis of resins with a softening point of 94 °C–97 °C are molar ratio of R (5-MR): DCPD: S = 1: 0.5: 0.3 at temperature 135 °C–170 °C, synthesis time 5 h 30 min. The synthesized resins did not require additional processing under a vacuum. The presence of unreacted resorcinol and 5-methylresorcinol (quantitatively and qualitatively) in the final product, the homogeneity, and molecular weight characteristics of the resin composition (qualitatively) were determined by TLC and GPC.

Process optimization and characterization of nanocellulose from chestnut shell

Nanocellulose, a unique and promising natural substance extracted from cellulose-based materials, has gained tremendous attention for its use in various applications. Latest studies hypothesized that green extraction techniques reveal high-yield cellulose nanoparticles with lower environmental hazard and also highlighted that selectivity and characteristics of final products are highly dependent upon process parameters. This study aimed to produce nanocellulose powders from the chestnut shell –an agroindustrial waste without pertinent reuse– by acid hydrolysis (conventional), microwave-assisted acid hydrolysis, hydrotropic solvent, and deep eutectic solvent extraction techniques. The effectiveness of process parameters was investigated, and optimum conditions were determined by targeting the highest yields for each method. Additionally, the physico-chemical and microstructural properties of nanocellulose powders produced by each method were analyzed to investigate the product characteristics. The highest yield was obtained by deep eutectic solvent extraction (99.2%) followed by hydrotropic solvent (89.6%), conventional (64.5%), and microwave-assisted (34.1%) extractions. The methods bearing strong acid solvents resulted in a higher crystallinity index (up to 81%). The highest viscosity and absolute zeta potential values were obtained in deep eutectic solvent extraction as 843.6 cp and −23.7 mV, respectively. For all nanocellulose suspensions, the storage modulus (G′) was greater than the loss modulus (G″), indicating a more gel-like behavior. Nanocellulose powders produced by different methods had characteristic Fourier transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrum. The results of X-ray diffractometer (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) evidenced that nanofibrils could be produced via hydrotropic and deep eutectic solvent extraction systems while acid hydrolysis, i.e., conventional and microwave-assisted extraction generate nanocrystals. Obtained results indicated that green solvent systems could be utilized in the production of nanocellulose with many advantages, including efficiency, sustainability, reduced environmental harm, and low cost.

Comparability exercise of critical quality attributes of clinical-grade human mesenchymal stromal cells from the Wharton’s jelly: single-use stirred tank bioreactors versus planar culture systems

Background aimsThe increasing demand of clinical-grade mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) for use in advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) require a re-evaluation of manufacturing strategies, ensuring scalability from two-dimensional (2D) surfaces to volumetric (3D) productivities. Herein we describe the design and validation of a Good Manufacturing Practice–compliant 3D culture methodology using microcarriers and 3-L single-use stirred tank bioreactors (STRs) for the expansion of Wharton's jelly (WJ)-derived MSCs in accordance to current regulatory and quality requirements. MethodsMSC,WJ were successfully expanded in 3D and final product characterization was in conformity with Critical Quality Attributes and product specifications previously established for 2D expansion conditions. ResultsAfter 6 days of culture, cell yields in the final product from the 3D cultures (mean 9.48 × 108 ± 1.07 × 107 cells) were slightly lower but comparable with those obtained from 2D surfaces (mean 9.73 × 108 ± 2.36 × 108 cells) after 8 days. In all analyzed batches, viability was >90%. Immunophenotype of MSC,WJ was highly positive for CD90 and CD73 markers and lacked of expression of CD31, CD45 and HLA-DR. Compared with 2D expansions, CD105 was detected at lower levels in 3D cultures due to the harvesting procedure from microcarriers involving trypsin at high concentration, and this had no impact on multipotency. Cells presented normal karyotype and strong immunomodulatory potential in vitro. Sterility, Mycoplasma, endotoxin and adventitious virus were negative in both batches produced. ConclusionsIn summary, we demonstrated the establishment of a feasible and reproducible 3D bioprocess using single-use STR for clinical-grade MSC,WJ production and provide evidence supporting comparability of 3D versus 2D production strategies. This comparability exercise evaluates the direct implementation of using single-use STR for the scale-up production of MSC,WJ and, by extension, other cell types intended for allogeneic therapies.

Value profile for respiratory syncytial virus vaccines and monoclonal antibodies

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the predominant cause of acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) in young children worldwide, yet no licensed RSV vaccine exists to help prevent the millions of illnesses and hospitalizations and tens of thousands of young lives taken each year. Monoclonal antibody (mAb) prophylaxis exists for prevention of RSV in a small subset of very high-risk infants and young children, but the only currently licensed product is impractical, requiring multiple doses and expensive for the low-income settings where the RSV disease burden is greatest. A robust candidate pipeline exists to one day prevent RSV disease in infant and pediatric populations, and it focuses on two promising passive immunization approaches appropriate for low-income contexts: maternal RSV vaccines and long-acting infant mAbs. Licensure of one or more candidates is feasible over the next one to three years and, depending on final product characteristics, current economic models suggest both approaches are likely to be cost-effective. Strong coordination between maternal and child health programs and the Expanded Program on Immunization will be needed for effective, efficient, and equitable delivery of either intervention.This ‘Vaccine Value Profile’ (VVP) for RSV is intended to provide a high-level, holistic assessment of the information and data that are currently available to inform the potential public health, economic and societal value of pipeline vaccines and vaccine-like products. This VVP was developed by a working group of subject matter experts from academia, non-profit organizations, public private partnerships and multi-lateral organizations, and in collaboration with stakeholders from the WHO headquarters. All contributors have extensive expertise on various elements of the RSV VVP and collectively aimed to identify current research and knowledge gaps. The VVP was developed using only existing and publicly available information.

Analysis of Manure Separation Technology Efficiency into Fractions Followed by Liquid Fraction Rectification

Introduction. There is not enough data on the used intensive technologies of processing pig manure into organic fertilizer to accurately calculate the content of nutrients in the final products and, accordingly, their doses of application. Aim of the Article. To determine the efficiency of pig manure processing technology, which includes liquid fraction rectification, by the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of manure and final products, and to trace the redistributing total nitrogen between the final products on the example of a pilot pig breeding complex production. Materials and Methods. For the study, there was chosen a typical pig-breeding complex, where the pig manure processing included slurry acidification, flocculation, separation into fractions in a decanter centrifuge, rectification of liquid fraction, passive composting of solid fraction, and long-term storing of liquid fraction. The technology allows producing three types of end products: solid organic fertilizer, concentrated liquid (ammonia water), and fertilizer solution. Quantity and quality of pig manure and the end products were calculated by the known methods. Experimental studies were performed to compare the results. Samples were analyzed in the analytical laboratory of Institute for Engineering and Environmental Problems in Agricultural Production in 2022. Three replications were carried out for each sample. The experimental data were statistically analysed in MS Excel. Results. Quantitative and qualitative characteristics of pig manure, its solid and liquid fractions, and end products were calculated. The difference between the calculated and actual values does not exceed 10.2% that indicates the reliability of calculations. Discussion and Conclusion. The introduction of a new technology at the pig-breeding complex has reduced atmospheric emissions by 10% due to the nitrogen conservation, has reduced operating costs for transporting organic fertilizer by 47% due to the concentration of nutrients in a smaller volume and has improved soil fertility through fertilizer irrigation.