Optimal Feeding Research Articles

Feeding frequency on survival, growth, blood glucose of glass eel, Anguilla bicolor bicolor cultured in a recirculating aquaculture system

Indonesian shortfin eel, Anguilla bicolor bicolor is one of the eel species that high market demand both for local and export. Feeding frequency is an important that related to production for culture. The purpose of this experiment is to determine the optimal feeding frequencies on survival and growth of shortfin eel at glass eel to elver stages cultured in a recirculating aquaculture system. Four treatments of different feeding frequencies and three replicates each were performed. The treatments were as followed A) 1 time a day; B) 2 times a day; C) 3 times a day; and D) 4 times a day. The result showed that the feeding frequency affect the survival, length and weight growths, and glucose value. The best of survival rate (82.61±3.15%), weight (1.91±0.28 g) and length (10.64±0.45cm) found at feeding frequency 3 times a day compared to the others (P<.0.05). Blood glucose value increases with increasing feeding frequency. Water quality such as dissolved oxygen (DO), temperature and pH were within the optimal range. Three times a day of feeding frequency is recommended for applying on glass eel culture in a recirculating aquaculture system.

Experimental investigation of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene plastics plasma gasification

E-waste comprising plastics causes serious ecological problems due to low degradability, but it is capable of producing a high amount of energy by thermochemical conversion. Therefore, the current study focuses on generating clean syngas through plasma gasification of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) based computer keyboard plastic waste (CKPW) using CO2 as a gasifying agent. The effect of feed rate, gas flow rate and plasma power on the syngas composition was studied. In addition, a comprehensive investigation of energy, exergy, economic and environmental analyses along with characterization of the obtained products was conducted to evaluate the performance of the system. Based on the experimental results, the optimum process parameters for producing syngas possessing a higher calorific value (15.80 MJ/m3) with a higher percentage of H2 (30.16 vol%) and CO (46.09 vol%) were estimated. The optimum feed flow rates of solid fuel and CO2 gas and torch power were estimated as 40 g/10 min, 0.5 lpm and 1.12 kW, respectively. At these conditions, the system could achieve a maximum energy and exergy efficiency of 46.06% and 44.34%, respectively, while the levelized cost of syngas (LCOSover) was estimated as 25.45 INR/kWh, including the social cost. Likewise, the lower values of the estimated global warming potential (370.19 gCO2eq/h) illustrate the better sustainability of the process. The obtained oil with the estimated LHV of 39.13 MJ/kg could be an alternative fuel for diesel and the residue containing a higher proportion of TiO2 has medical applications upon further enrichment. The reaction mechanism of ABS conversion to syngas under plasma gasification conditions is proposed.

Barriers to optimal breastfeeding of medically complex children in the UK paediatric setting: a mixed methods survey of healthcare professionals.

Breastfeeding is indisputably significant for infants and children, as well as their mothers. However, when breastfed children are admitted to the paediatric ward, they may experience breastfeeding modification due to clinical challenges, lack of staff training and institutional barriers. Although previous research has identified multiple barriers to optimal feeding within the maternity, neonatal and community settings, we know less about the barriers that exist in paediatrics. Paediatric healthcare staff attitudes, training and awareness as well as ward culture are likely to have an impact on the experiences of families but are relatively unresearched in the paediatric setting, especially with regard to the multidisciplinary nature of clinical paediatric care. The aim of this study was to explore the attitudes, awareness and perceived barriers to effective breastfeeding support provision, as well as healthcare professional perception of barriers for families. This was a mixed methods study utilising a questionnaire which was completed by 409 healthcare professionals who identified as working within the paediatric setting. It included responses from paediatricians of all training grades, nurses, healthcare assistants and allied health professionals. Qualitative data from professionals were analysed to develop themes around professional and perceived parent barriers to optimal breastfeeding. This study explored the barriers experienced by staff, as well as professionals' perception of parent barriers. These included lack of knowledge of how to help, a default formula culture, the pressure of maintaining strict fluid balance and breastfeeding being a low priority in the face of critical illness. Of the paediatric departments represented by this sample of healthcare professionals, most had a relatively poor culture of supporting breastfeeding, with multiple institutional barriers identified. Most professionals felt that there was not enough support for breastfeeding families on an average shift, and a large proportion identified as being one of just a few breastfeeding advocates on their ward. In this relatively motivated and experienced sample of healthcare professionals, there were many identified barriers to optimal breastfeeding which could potentially be addressed by training that is carefully nuanced for the paediatric population. Ensuring that paediatric multidisciplinary healthcare professionals have sufficient skills and knowledge would address the identified challenge of poor awareness of breastfeeding and of how to overcome clinical lactation obstacles. Further improvements at policy level need to address the systemic lack of resourcing in paediatrics, as well as the lack of embedded breastfeeding-friendly organisational structures.

Development of a Bamboo Toothbrush Handle Machine with a Human–Machine Interactive Interface for Optimizing Process Conditions

Non-renewable materials like plastics are widely applied on toothbrush handles and bristles. Polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE) is often used to fabricate the toothbrush handle, while nylon (PA) is used to form the bristle. These plastics are sourced from non-renewable fossil fuels. The primary greenhouse gases—nitrous oxide (N2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2)—in the Earth’s atmosphere are released during the production of these plastics. Bamboo can generate 30% more oxygen than most plants and trees, which absorbs twice as much carbon dioxide as trees. A comparison of the cradle-to-grave material requirements between bamboo and plastic toothbrushes reveals that bamboo toothbrushes entail hidden environmental costs. Nevertheless, bamboo toothbrushes can be completely decomposed in the environment, which makes them eco-friendly and sustainable green products. This research aims to develop a bamboo toothbrush handle machine with a human–machine interactive interface and production management for optimizing process conditions. The machine is designed as a double-group to stably mass-produce high-quality bamboo toothbrush handles under optimal process conditions. Although bamboo is a sustainable green material, the shaping process is difficult due to an extremely anisotropic property in the bamboo structures. An improper process condition will induce a rough or scorched surface, which may further cause a tearing crack. The bamboo toothbrush handle milling machine is usually designed by a profiler, which uses various molds to change the shapes and sizes of bamboo toothbrush handles. This machine cannot probe the accurate cutting force for optimizing the cutting operations, paths, and parameters. The proposed equipment with a double-group design includes two storage racks of raw materials, two feeding devices, two exchange clamping devices, and a dual-spindle milling system required to form the shaping process of bamboo toothbrush handles. The whole system is propelled by a computer numerical control (CNC) SYNTEC controller, which can fabricate the bamboo toothbrush handle with various shapes and dimensions. This controller is integrated with a LabVIEW human–machine interactive interface via a Modbus RTU communication protocol. The optimal milling paths, manufacturing methods, and feeding rates are verified by a surveillance system to detect the instant currents of both spindles via the trial-and-error method and mass production. The maximum output of the equipment can reach four bamboo toothbrush handles per minute and 1600 bamboo toothbrush handles per day.

Coexistence of one predator and two prey through rapid evolution in predator’s feeding choice

In this article, we study the coexistence of one predator and two prey with evolutionary effects. To that end, we formulate a three-time-scale model with rapid adaptive in predator’s feeding choice, slow prey growth and superslow predator growth. By using the geometric singular perturbation theory and computing the entry–exit function for multidimensional fast–slow systems, we find that the predator and the two prey coexist in a form of relaxation oscillations between being near the extreme values of feeding choice strategy due to the associated delay of stability loss. It is also found that the predator can coexist with the two prey in the form of an interior equilibrium with a locally optimal feeding choice.

Continuous production of succinic acid from glycerol: A complete experimental and computational study

In this work, a bioprocess for the fermentation of A. succinogenes for the production of succinic acid from glycerol was developed, employing a continuous bioreactor with recycle. Moreover, a new bioprocess model was constructed, based on an existing double substrate limitation model, which was validated with experimental results for a range of operating parameters. The model was used to successfully predict the dynamics of the continuous fermentation process and was subsequently employed in optimisation studies to compute the optimal conditions, dilution rate, reflux rate and feed glycerol concentration, that maximise the productivity of bio-succinic acid. In addition, a Pareto front for optimal volumetric productivity and glycerol conversion combinations was computed. Maximum volumetric productivity of 0.518 g/L/h, was achieved at the optimal computed conditions, which were experimentally validated. This is the highest bio-succinic acid productivity reported so far, for such a continuous bioprocess.

Lessons learned in implementing the Low Birthweight Infant Feeding Exploration study: A large, multi-site observational study.

Globally, early and optimal feeding practices and strategies for small and vulnerable infants are limited. We aim to share the challenges faced and implementation lessons learned from a complex, mixed methods research study on infant feeding. A formative, multi-site, observational cohort study using convergent parallel, mixed-methods design. Twelve tertiary/secondary, public/private hospitals in India, Malawi and Tanzania. Moderately low birthweight infants (MLBW; 1.50-2.49 kg). We assessed infant feeding and care practices through: (1) assessment of in-facility documentation of 603 MLBW patient charts; (2) intensive observation of 148 MLBW infants during facility admission; and (3) prospective 1-year follow-up of 1114 MLBW infants. Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews gathered perspectives on infant feeding among clinicians, families, and key stakeholders. The outcomes of the primary study were: (1) To understand the current practices and standard of care for feeding LBW infants; (2) To define and document the key outcomes (including growth, morbidity, and lack of success on mother's own milk) for LBW infants under current practices; (3) To assess the acceptability and feasibility of a system-level Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) intervention and the proposed infant feeding options for LBW infants. Hospital-level guidelines and provision of care for MLBW infants varied across and within countries. In all, 89% of charts had missing data on time to first feed and 56% lacked discharge weights. Among 148 infants observed in-facility, 18.5% were discharged prior to meeting stated weight goals. Despite challenges during COVID, 90% of the prospective cohort was followed until 12 months of age. Enrolment and follow-up of this vulnerable population required additional effort from researchers and the community. Using a mixed-methods exploratory study allowed for a comprehensive understanding of MLBW health and evidence-based planning of targeted large-scale interventions. Multi-site partnerships in global health research, which require active and equal engagement, are instrumental in avoiding duplication and building a stronger, generalisable evidence base.

Evaporation generation in the vehicle fuel tank. Canister feed strategy optimization

Introduction (problem statement and relevance). In addition to the toxic substances generated during fuel combustion in the engine, the vehicle generates a significant amount of hydrocarbons in the form of fuel vapors generated as a result of evaporation from the fuel tank and fuel system components. The evaporation process parameters and the amount of fuel evaporations are determined by dynamics of fuel heating in the tank in various vehicle operation modes. Modern requirements for the limit level of emissions caused by evaporation become much stricter. Therefore, the solution of the task of fuel evaporation minimization and prevention of ingress thereof into the atmosphere is relevant and practically significant. The purposes of the studies are to develop a model of the processes of evaporation generation in the vehicle fuel tank based on the analysis of mathematical modeling and experimental research results as well as to develop the optimum strategy and algorithm of the canister feed.Methodology and research methods. In the study, a combination of analytical methods of the classical thermodynamics with modeling in the Simcenter Amesim integrated program platform environment is used.Scientific novelty and results. It has been found that transition from feeding the canister with an open vapor space to evaporation in a fixed-volume space allows significant reduction of the amount of hydrocarbons delivered to the canister.Practical significance. It has been found and proved that accumulation of hydrocarbons in a closed tank with discrete cyclic feed of the canister allows significant reduction of evaporation generation and lowering of the requirements for the canister parameters. An algorithm of optimum canister feed is suggested.

Performance assessment of some selected vegetable oils as lubricants in turning of AISI 1045 steel using a Taguchi-based grey relational analysis approach

ABSTRACT This study is focused on the performance evaluation of three cutting lubricants, which are neem, palm kernel and mineral oil in the turning of AISI 1045 with MQL. Optimization of machining parameters with multi-response signals using Taguchi-based grey relational analysis was done. For experimental design, tests were developed using Taguchi's L9 orthogonal array and the signal-to-noise ratio was obtained using the smaller-the-better approach to achieve the optimal combination. Performance indicators including surface roughness and cutting temperature were measured throughout the machining process. Neem oil performed best among the oils for surface roughness while mineral oil outperformed them all for cutting temperature, according to the experimental results. The optimum spindle speed, feed rate and depth of cut for neem, palm kernel and mineral oils are 870 rev/min, 0.25 mm/rev and 1.25 mm; 870 rev/min, 0.10 mm/rev and 0.75 mm; and 415 rev/min, 0.10 mm/rev and 1.00 mm, respectively.

Machine learning-based model predictive controller design for cell culture processes.

The biopharmaceutical industry continuously seeks to optimize the critical quality attributes to maintain the reliability and cost-effectiveness of its products. Such optimization demands a scalable and optimal control strategy to meet the process constraints and objectives. This work uses a model predictive controller (MPC) to compute an optimal feeding strategy leading to maximized cell growth and metabolite production in fed-batch cell culture processes. The lack of high-fidelity physics-based models and the high complexity of cell culture processes motivated us to use machine learning algorithms in the forecast model to aid our development. We took advantage of linear regression, the Gaussian process and neural network models in the MPC design to maximize the daily protein production for each batch. The control scheme of the cell culture process solves an optimization problem while maintaining all metabolites and cell culture process variables within the specification. The linear and nonlinear models are developed based on real cell culture process data, and the performance of the designed controllers is evaluated by running several real-time experiments.

Determination of the Equivalent Ratio of Optimum Gasifier with Several Types of Biomass

This study aims to create a CFD model aligned with lab test results from previous studies, conduct simulation tests using several types of biomass as input and optimize the operating parameters of various types of biomass to produce optimum syngas. The method used in this research is literature study and modelling using Ansys Fluent software. The results of this study indicate that biomass is a source of new and renewable energy (EBT) which has abundant potential in Indonesia, but its use could be more optimal. Biomass gasification is one of the most promising techniques used to convert solid fuels into useful gaseous fuels, which can be widely used in many households and industrial applications such as power generation and internal combustion engines. This research implies that it can help determine the optimum equivalence ratio and feed rate for a gasifier that utilizes various types of biomass. By finding the optimal combination, the composting process can achieve higher energy efficiency, resulting in more energy being generated from the biomass used. Additionally, by knowing the appropriate equivalence ratio and feed rate, this research can assist in optimizing the biomass composting process in the gasifier.

A Short Review of Asian Seabass (Lates calcarifer) Cultivation

Aquaculture is the most reliable sector to the providing world nutrias food. It is all depended on the cultivable species. Asian seabass is one of the candidate species for aquaculture because of the wide range of water quality tolerance, growth performance, and consumer preference. The Indian and Western Pacific Oceans are where Asian seabass is found in its natural habitat. It can be cultured in the earthen pond, floating or stationer cages, and recirculating system. Seed resources are available in rivers and lakes of fresh water, but aquaculture is the depending on the hatchery that produces seed because of the superior growth production. In the nursery phase, cannibalism is predominant in Asian seabass cultivation, which will improve via the grading of a shooter. Feeding is one of the important management for good growth performance and reducing cannibalism to give the optimum feed requirements. The growth rate of the Asian seabass is 400-600 g in 4 to 6 months. Asian seabass farmers are suffering from some infectious and non-infection diseases, it will improve via the good management practices of the culture promises. In this review paper, some key points of Asian seabass farming are covered for better understanding.

Біотопи існування та живлення зубра в Національному природному парку Цуманська Пуща (Україна)

The conservation and restoration of the bison (Bison bonasus L.) is one of the fundamental issues of international importance in the Tsumanska Pushcha National Nature Park, Ukraine. The distribution of bison in the territory of the park and adjacent areas is associated with the specific requirements of the species regarding food and protective properties of the terrain. In spring, with the beginning of the growing season, the grass cover is thin and the amount of food is insufficient, so bison prefer swampy biotopes. In March–April, birch–alder and aspen–birch–alder stands provide optimal feeding conditions for the animals. Within the territory of spring distribution of bison, the biotopes they inhabit are represented by wet and fairly fertile sites (types C3 and C4,), as well as moist and fairly infertile pine site (type B3). Biotopes these animals inhabit during the spring–summer period (March–August) cover an area of about 1640 hectares, of which 350 hectares are within the national park, and the rest are part of the territory of the Muravyschensky and Sokyrychivsk forests of the Kivertsi Forestry State Enterprise. The territory of the forest districts is characterised by a mosaic structure of stands, alternating areas of broad-leaved and coniferous species, wetlands and grass glades with good feeding conditions for the animals. The animals have adapted to almost all types of forest biotopes. During the entire growing season, the trophic activity of bison is particulary high in pastures, forest clearings, and swampy meadows adjacent to woodlands. The main bison biotopes are located at a large distance from human settlements and characterised by poorly developed road network, low level of disturbance, and favourable living conditions. The current size of the bison population in the national park is 21 individuals, and the presence of calves and young animals is a sign of favourable conditions and positive population dynamics that may lead to further increase in the future. In order to minimise the impact of negative factors, relevant measures should be implemented to maintain the stability of the subpopulation, to protect the habitats of the animals, and to conduct active educational and informational activities in the park. The technologies of forest felling, harvesting of minor forestry products, and other forestry works must include elements aimed at preventing negative effects on bison.

Photothermal enhanced polyphenol-based nanofibers ameliorate catalytic efficiency of ferroptosis for synergistic tumor therapy

Ferroptosis is an emerging antitumor treatment modality with the superiority for evading apoptotic cell death pathway. However, how to elevate catalytic efficacy of Fe2+-mediated Fenton reaction and efficiently elicit ferroptosis remain enormously challenging. Herein, inspired by hyperthermia-enhanced Fenton reaction kinetics, we firstly designed iron-polyphenol-aspirin-coordinated nanochelates for photothermal-enhanced ferroptosis antitumor immunotherapy. Specifically, we modulated optimal mass feeding ratio of gallic acid (GA), aspirin (ASA), Fe (II) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) to construct novel nanofibrous GA-ASA-Fe (II) metalchelates named GAFs. The variations in size and structure allowed the nanomedicines to avoid the risk of premature renal clearance in vivo, compared with the reported ultrasmall GA-Fe (II) nanocomplexes (GFs). Under NIR laser irradiation, GAFs could constantly amplify toxic hydroxyl radicals (OH) generation and deplete excessive GSH to induce more accumulation of lethal lipid peroxidation (LPO), thereby triggering ferroptosis pathway in vitro and in vivo. Besides, the introduction of ASA could inhibit cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), in combination with photothermal-enhanced ferroptosis tumor therapy to induce immunogenic cell death (ICD), promote maturation of dendritic cells (DCs) and activate cytotoxic T cells for synergistic antitumor immunotherapy. GAFs with laser irradiation exhibited the capacity of inhibition of pulmonary metastasis. This work presented a strategy for incorporating small molecule immunomodulator into the metal-polyphenolic coordination to ameliorate its deficiencies, thereby inspiring a new design concept for tumor treatment.

Whole blood transcriptome analysis of lactating Murrah buffaloes divergent to contrasting genetic merits for milk yield

Functional genome profiling of Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) was performed for milk-production trait by whole blood transcriptome analysis comparing RNA-seq data assembled from high and low milk producing multiparous (5 -6 parity) animals. These buffaloes reflected the genetic merit inherited as daughters born to extremely high- and low-end bulls evaluated under a progeny testing scheme and ranked by the estimated breeding value. The average standard milk yield (SMY) over the 305 d during the parity was recorded as 2909.50L ± 492.63 and 1869.57 ± 189.36L in high- and low-performance buffaloes, respectively. The “reference” assembly data was assembled from transcriptome libraries of a group of buffaloes (n=16), comprising of animals in different physiological states. Replicates selected within each category of the high and low genetic merit animals showed a correlation coefficient of high order (R2=0.98) while comparing with the `reference' assembly. The sequence data of selected buffaloes, mapped over the Mediterranean water buffalo genome, revealed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) distinctly depicted via heat maps and volcano plots obtained for two categories of animals, determining more than 25,000 genes via the Cufflink analysis. DEGs included 83 down-regulating and 142 up-regulating genes (p&amp;lt;0.05, FDR&amp;lt;0.05). Functional classification of the DEGs revealed a fine networking of biological processes, primarily cell signaling, cell proliferation, cell differentiation, RNA splicing, fat metabolism, and inflammasome generation. These processes are regulated by transcription factors and binding proteins covered under the network of TNF alpha signaling, NF-kappa B signaling and MAPK PI3K-AKT signaling pathways/ cascade emerged as main biological pathways. Emerged pathways revealed remarkably intricate tuning of metabolic and cell development processes converging into milk production in buffaloes. Segregated patterns of gene expression obtained for high and low milk producing buffaloes using the non-invasive method of whole blood transcriptome analysis has emerged as a promising resource comprising gene network and protein -protein interactions, primarily involved in lactation. Synergism of transcription factors and binding proteins promoting epigenetic regulation at all development stages of mammary tissue induce mammogenic and lactogenic responses for subsequent milk secretion under optimum feeding management. These findings may help improve breeding strategies to achieve the desired milk yield in Murrah buffaloes.

&lt;i&gt;Corrigendum to&lt;/i&gt;: Effects of supplementation with different concentrations of L-citrulline on the plasma amino acid concentration, reproductive hormone concentrations, antioxidant capacity, and reproductive performance of Hu ewes

&lt;sec&gt; Context &lt;sc&gt;L&lt;/sc&gt;-citrulline (&lt;sc&gt;L&lt;/sc&gt;-Cit) does not degrade in the rumen and has the ability to form peptide bonds in the body; however, it does not participate in protein synthesis. &lt;/sec&gt; &lt;sec&gt; Aims This study aimed to evaluate the effects of &lt;sc&gt;L&lt;/sc&gt;-Cit on the reproductive performance of Hu ewes. &lt;/sec&gt; &lt;sec&gt; Methods In total, 30 ewes were randomly categorised into five groups. The control group was fed with a basic diet, whereas the Experimental Groups I, II, III, and IV were provided feed supplemented with 5, 10, 15, and 20g/day of &lt;sc&gt;L&lt;/sc&gt;-Cit respectively. Blood samples of ewes were collected 4h after feeding on Day 21 of the experiment and before feeding on Day 30. The optimal supplementary feeding dose was selected on the basis of blood biochemical indexes. Overall, ninety 2-year-old ewes were classified into two groups. The control group was fed with a basic diet and the experimental group was fed with a diet supplemented with 10g/day of &lt;sc&gt;L&lt;/sc&gt;-Cit. After 30days of supplementary feeding, reproductive performance of ewes was determined. &lt;/sec&gt; &lt;sec&gt; Key results The plasma concentrations of Cit, ornithine, and arginine in ewes increased linearly with an increase in the level of &lt;sc&gt;L&lt;/sc&gt;-Cit supplementation. The plasma concentrations of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, luteinising hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone in the experimental group increased significantly compared with those in the control group. The plasma total antioxidant capacity and catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group, whereas the concentrations of malondialdehyde in all experimental groups were significantly lower than those in the control group. The conception, lambing, and double lambing rates of the experimental group were increased by 28.76%, 15.90%, and 40.21% respectively. &lt;/sec&gt; &lt;sec&gt; Conclusions Supplementation with different doses of &lt;sc&gt;L&lt;/sc&gt;-Cit can improve the concentrations of some plasma amino acids and reproductive hormones as well as antioxidant capacity of ewes. Supplementary feeding with 10g/day of &lt;sc&gt;L&lt;/sc&gt;-Cit could increase the lambing and double lambing rates of ewes. &lt;/sec&gt; &lt;sec&gt; Implication &lt;sc&gt;L&lt;/sc&gt;-Cit can improve the reproductive performance of ewes. &lt;/sec&gt;

Optimisation of spray drying parameters using mixed flow in whey powder production using response surface methodology (RSM)

AbstractThis work explored the impact of mixed flow spray drying on the physical and functional properties of whey powder without any subsequently added drying agent to increase whey utilisation. Spray drying was performed on a pilot scale using a mixed flow spray dryer. The effects of the inlet air temperature (150–210 °C) and feed flow rate (2–7 L h−1) on several responses such as moisture content, yield, dispersibility, bulk density, and outlet air temperature were investigated using response surface methodology. In addition, with the optimised parameters, Carr index, Hausner ratio, solubility, wettability, hygroscopicity, degree of caking, crystallinity, and morphology of the obtained whey powder were determined. The investigation revealed that feed flow rate is the main parameter influencing all responses. The inlet air temperature significantly affected the bulk, tapped density, and outlet air temperature. The optimal inlet air temperature and feed flow rate for the production of whey powder were 182 °C and 3.2 L h−1, respectively. Under these parameters the moisture content, yield, bulk density, hygroscopicity, and degree of caking of the obtained product were 28.6, 1.80%, 0.24 g cm−3, 16.10 g H2O/g powder, and 85.56%, respectively.

High Protein Intake: Effect of Level vs Feeding Site.

The recent findings from the EFFORT Protein Trial, the large, randomized trial in mechanically ventilated, nutritionally at risk patients, was a major focus of discussion at our recent Clinical Congress and has already had a major Influence on our field forcing a reevaluation of optimal feeding practices in critically ill adults (1). Contrary to expectations, providing a higher protein intake, with a clear distinction between high and low protein intake (1.6 + .5 vs. 0.9 + 0.3 g/kg), to predominantly medical patients who were fed enterally almost exclusively, produced no significant impact on the primary endpoint, time to discharge alive or the original goal 60 day mortality. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

The relationship between children's food allergies and family mealtimes: A systematic review.

Food allergy prevalence is increasing among children; however, it is not clear how children's food allergy status impacts family mealtimes. This study's purpose was to systematically synthesize research regarding the relationship between children's food allergies, parental meal-centered stress, and family mealtime dynamics. Data sources for this study include peer-reviewed, English language sources from CINAHL, MEDLINE, APA PsycInfo, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Five keyword categories (child, food allergies, meal preparation, stress, and family) were utilized to identify sources regarding how food allergies of children (from birth-12years) relate to family mealtime dynamics or parental meal-centered stress. All 13 identified studies determined that pediatric food allergies relate to either increased parental stress, meal preparation issues, mealtime problems, or changes to family meals. Studies also indicate that meal preparation takes longer, requires more vigilance, and is more stressful due to children's food allergies. Limitations include that most studies were cross-sectional and based on maternal self-report. Children's food allergies are associated with parental meal-centered stress and mealtime issues. However, there is a need for research to account for specific changes to family mealtime dynamics and parent feeding behaviors so that pediatric health care professionals can alleviate parental meal-centered stress and provide guidance towards optimal feeding behaviors.

Optimization Study on Salinity Gradient Energy Capture from Brine and Dilute Brine

The power conversion of salinity gradient energy (SGE) between concentrated brine from seawater desalination and seawater by reverse electrodialysis (RED) benefits energy conservation and also dilutes the discharge concentration to relieve the damage to coastal ecosystems. However, two key performance indexes of the maximum net power density and energy conversion efficiency for a RED stack harvesting the energy usually cannot reach the optimal simultaneously. Here, an optimization study on the two indexes was implemented to improve the performance of RED in harvesting the energy. A RED model for capturing the SGE between concentrated brine and seawater was constructed, and the correlation coefficients in the model were experimentally determined. Based on the model, the effects of a single variable (concentration, flow rate, temperature, thickness of the compartment, length of the electrode) on the performance of a RED stack are analyzed. The multi-objective optimization method based on the genetic algorithm was further introduced to obtain the optimal solution set, which could achieve the larger net power density and energy conversion efficiency with coordination. The ranges of optimal feed parameters and stack size were also obtained. The optimal flow velocity of the dilute solution and the concentration of the dilute solution are approximately 7.3 mm/s and 0.4 mol/kg, respectively.