Soluble Ratio Research Articles

Development of an extended model for the permeation of environmentally hazardous CO2 gas across asymmetric hollow fiber composite membranes

This study presents an extended thermodynamic and phenomenological combined model to mitigate the environmental hazardous acid gas over composite membranes. The model has been applied to an acid gas such as carbon dioxide (CO2) for its permeation through polyetherimide incorporated montmorillonite (Mt) nanoparticles hollow fiber asymmetric composite membranes. The well-established non-equilibrium lattice fluid (NELF) model for penetrating low molecular weight penetrant in a glassy polyetherimide (PEI) was extended to incorporate the other important polymer/filler system features such as tortuosity in acid gas diffusion pathways resulted from layered filler aspect ratio and concentration. The model mentioned above predicts the behavior of acid gas in PEI-Mt composite membranes based on thermodynamic characteristics of CO2 and PEI and tortuosity due to Mt. The calculated results are compared to experimentally determined values of CO2 permeability through PEI-Mt composite asymmetric hollow fiber membranes at varying transmembrane pressures and Mt concentrations. A reasonable agreement was found between the model predicted behavior and experimentally determined data in terms of CO2 solubility, Mt concentration and aspect ratio were calculated based on average absolute relative error (%AARE). The proposed modified model efficiently predicts the CO2 permeance across MMMs up to 3 wt% Mt loadings and 6 bar pressure with ± 10%AARE.

Particle fractionation controls Escherichia coli release from solid manure

Bacteria transport through soil is a complex process particularly when the cells are released from solid manures and co-transported with particles. This study focuses on understanding of the Escherichia coli release from different particle fractions (0.25-, 0.5-, 1-, and 2-mm) of solid manure and evaluating different influent boundary conditions during cell release from manure and when a solid manure is applied to the soil. The 0.25-mm and 2-mm particle sizes resulted a greater cell release compared to 0.5-mm and 1-mm fractions (p < 0.05). The shape and magnitude of the cell release curves (CRCs) from the original manure bulk were mainly influenced by the two 0.25-mm and 2-mm fractions, respectively. The arithmetic mean for normalizing the CRCs and the time variable- based normalized CRCs for the manure-treated soil were the robust variables in evaluation of the experimental data. However, a single maximum bacteria concentration could provide the realistic dataset for the modeling process. Evaluation of the root-mean-squared-error and Akaike criterion showed that the two- and three-parametric models are recommended for simulating the cell release from solid manure in comparison with one parametric models. This study also suggests considering separate microbial release evaluations, with regards to influent concentration, for manure and manure-treated soils to propose best management practices for controlling bacteria pollution. Further research will reveal the key roles of different woody components and soluble material ratios for the various solid manures in bacteria release.

Supplemental Fiber Affects Body Temperature and Fecal Metabolites but Not Respiratory Rate or Body Composition in Mid-Distance Training Sled Dogs.

Dietary fiber affects canine physiology in many ways, such as increasing colonic absorption of water and improving gut health, both of which may positively impact exercise performance. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of increased dietary soluble fiber and incremental training on respiratory rate (RR), internal body temperature (BT), body composition, and fecal metabolites in mid-distance training sled dogs. Fourteen dogs (12 Siberian and 2 Alaskan Huskies) were blocked by age, sex, and body weight (BW) and then randomly allocated into one of two diet groups. Seven dogs were fed a dry extruded control diet (Ctl) with an insoluble:soluble fiber ratio of 4:1 (0.74% soluble fiber on a dry-matter basis), and seven dogs were fed a dry extruded treatment diet (Trt) with an insoluble:soluble fiber ratio of 3:1 (2.12% soluble fiber on a dry-matter basis). Fecal samples were taken once a week. All dogs underwent 9 weeks of incremental exercise conditioning where the running distance was designed to increase each week. Every 3 weeks, external telemetry equipment was used to non-invasively measure and record RR and internal BT at resting, working, and post-exercise recovery states. Body composition was measured on weeks −1 and 9 using quantitative magnetic resonance. Body composition, RR, BT, and fecal metabolites were analyzed using a mixed model with dog as a random effect and week and diet group as fixed effects. Dogs on Trt had lower working and post-exercise BT than Ctl (P < 0.05). In addition, Trt dogs had lower recovery BT at weeks 2 and 5 than Ctl dogs (P < 0.05). Treatment dogs had greater fecal short-chain fatty acid concentrations than Ctl (P < 0.05). Diet had no effect on RR or body composition (P > 0.10), but exercise resulted in an overall 7% increase in lean and 3.5% decrease in fat mass (P < 0.05). These data suggest that increasing dietary soluble fiber may positively influence BT and gut health; however, it has no effect on RR or body composition. Soluble fiber did not negatively impact any measures of overall health and performance and should be considered for use in performance dogs.

Plastic shed production intensified secondary soil salinization in perennial fruit production systems

Secondary soil salinization is a common problem in intense agroecosystems such as the plastic shed production (PSP) systems. Understanding the dynamic changes of soil salinity and its negative impacts on crop nutrition is essential for management of PSP systems. In this study, 96 plastic shed orchards were chosen to investigate the impact of long-term PSP on soil salinization in a perennial fruit production county in Shaanxi Province, West China. The following results were obtained by comprehensively analyzing the profile distribution, spatiotemporal distribution, and the composition of soil salinity in PSP systems. Compared with the cereal and natural soil, PSP soil had significantly higher soil nutrients in addition to lower soil pH and greater soil electrical conductivity (EC) values. Soil EC had significant positive correlations with the total soluble salt (TSS) and sodium adsorption ratio in PSP soil profiles (p < 0.01). Thus, the high EC value (1082.2 ± 1200μScm−1) of PSP soil indicated high soil salinity content and Na+ concentration in the soil solution in the study area. The average content of TSSs in the topsoil of the soil profiles in PSP systems reached 2.23 g kg−1, indicating moderate salinization (2 g kg−1 ≤TSS<4 g kg−1). Furthermore, soil EC had a positive correlation with the PSP cropping duration and a negative correlation with the Ca concentration in fruit tree leaves in PSP systems. These findings suggest that increasing soil salinity might suppress the nutrient uptake by PSP fruit trees. Overall, this study concludes that high inputs of agrochemicals, high evaporation, and minimal leaching in PSP systems significantly intensify secondary soil salinization, as well as high Na+ accumulation in surface soil, which threaten the growth of fruit trees and soil functions.

Polymorphic Solubility Ratio of Famotidine and Sulfathiazole in Various Solvents

Solubilities of two polymorphs of famotidine (A, B) and three polymorphs of sulfathiazole (I, II, and IV) were measured in various solvents at 298.15 K to clarify how the solubility ratios B/A, I/I...

Molecular structure features and fast identification of chemical properties of metal carboxylate complexes by FTIR and partial least square regression

Several chemical properties of complexes should be considered to base their suitable applications in agronomic and environmental domains. However, the determination of these characteristics is generally expensive and time consuming. Therefore, the prediction of properties in complexes using a simple and expeditious technique, such as infrared spectroscopy, is highly desirable. This study aimed to investigate the molecular structure and chemical properties of metal complexes, such as stability, metal complexed fraction, and solubility. The complexes were submitted to experimental FTIR analysis and the spectroscopic data were regressed against the above-mentioned properties using partial least squares (PLS) to obtain a predictive model. Low molecular weight carboxylic acids (citric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, and oxalic acid) were used as complexing agents for three metals (Mn, Zn, and Fe) in two stoichiometric ratios of reaction (1:1 and 1:2, metal: ligand molar ratio). Solubility and complexation ratio appeared to be dependent on the ligand and stoichiometry. Citrate and oxalate have formed the most stable complexes with the tested metals. Metal-oxalates tend to form 1:2 complexes at the pH and stoichiometries tested, whereas citrate, malate, and tartrate tend to form 1:1 complexes. All the complexes exhibited monodentate coordination of carboxylic groups with metals. Overall, the predictive models were built to estimate the solubility and the ratio of complexed metals. Furthermore, the coordination mode of ligands to metals could also be assigned from infrared band shifts of the carboxylate groups. This work revealed crucial chemical properties to base the use of complexes, and show that the fast and non-destructive FTIR technique can be used for predict these properties.

Can environment and genotype influence sweet cherry qualitative parameters?

The sweet cherry fruit quality traits (soluble solid content, titratable acidity, pH and soluble solid titratable acidity ratio), phytochemical content (total phenolic content and total monomeric anthocyanins) and antioxidant activity were determined in five Italian autochthonous genotypes and compared with two commercial cultivars for 4 consecutive years. Significant influences of genotype, crop year and their interaction on the variables under study was observed. The autochthonous cultivar “Ciliegia di Udine”, on average, showed the highest values for all the investigated parameter whereas the lowest ones were reported for the largely cultivated cultivar “Ferrovia” (Germersdorfer). Beside the genotype, crop year and its climatic conditions affected fruits quality and “Flamengo Srim” showed the best response taking into consideration fruit quality traits, phytochemical content and antioxidant activity and their quali-quantitative stability across the experimentation.

Efficacy of supplemental multi-carbohydrases in broiler diets depends on soluble arabinoxylan-to-total arabinoxylan content

ABSTRACT 1. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of multi-carbohydrase enzymes (MC) on net energy (NE), performance and gene expression in Cobb 500 broilers fed diets containing different levels of soluble and total arabinoxylan (sAX/tAX) ratios. 2. The study employed a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments, with factors including with or without MC and three ratios of sAX/tAX: high (HS, 27.3%), intermediate (IS, 21.3%) and low (LS, 15.7%). 3. Six dietary treatments were formulated, with each diet replicated five times in the calorimetric study (Experiment 1) and eight times for a floor pen feeding trial (Experiment 2). 4. Experiment 1 showed significant (P < 0.01) MC × sAX/tAX interactions for apparent metabolisable energy (AME) and NE. These interactions indicated that the supplemental MC increased AME only in the HS diet, and NE in the HS and LS diets. 5. Experiment 2 results showed MC × sAX/tAX interactions for feed conversion ratio (FCR, P < 0.01) and ileal digesta viscosity (P < 0.05), demonstrating that MC lowered FCR only in the LS-fed birds, and reduced digesta viscosity only in the HS-fed birds. Apparent ileal digestible crude protein (AID CP) was negatively correlated with ileal digesta viscosity (r = −0.735, P < 0.001), which suggested that increasing ileal digesta viscosity reduced AID CP. 6. A significant (P < 0.05) MC × sAX/tAX interaction was observed for duodenal COX III mRNA gene expression, which indicated that this gene was upregulated in the IS-fed birds relative to the HS-fed birds, but only when MC was added. This gene was downregulated (P < 0.05) in the muscle in the presence of MC application in all diets. 7. The results from this study showed that supplemental MC can improve NE and FCR in birds fed diets containing the low sAX/tAX ratios.

Evaluating Solubility of Celecoxib in Age-Appropriate Fasted- and Fed-State Gastric and Intestinal Biorelevant Media Representative of Adult and Pediatric Patients: Implications on Future Pediatric Biopharmaceutical Classification System.

Prediction of performance of traditional, reformulated, and novel oral formulations in adults and pediatrics is of great importance. This study was conducted to assess solubility of celecoxib in age-appropriate fasted- and fed-state gastric and intestinal biorelevant media, classify celecoxib into biopharmaceutical classification system (BCS), and assess the effects of age-related developmental changes in the composition and volume of gastrointestinal fluids on the solubility and performance of oral formulations containing celecoxib. Solubility of celecoxib was assessed at 37°C in the pH range specified by the BCS-based criteria in 13 age-appropriate biorelevant media reflective of the gastric and proximal small intestinal environment in both fasted and fed states in adults and different pediatric subpopulations. A validated HPLC-UV method was used to quantify celecoxib. Experimental and computational molecular descriptors and in vivo pharmacokinetic data were used to assign the permeability class of celecoxib. Celecoxib belonged to BCS class 2. The pediatric to adult solubility ratios were outside the 80-125% boundaries in 3 and borderline in 1 biorelevant media. Significant age-related variability could be predicted for oral formulations containing celecoxib intended for pediatric use. Findings of this study indicated that the criteria used in the adult BCS might not be directly applied to pediatric subpopulations.

Solubility behaviour of CL-20 and HMX in organic solvents and solvates of CL-20

2,4,6,8,10,12-Hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20) and 1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazoctane (HMX) are promising cocrystal coformers, but only little solubility data are available. Knowledge about their solubility and solvate formation is essential for the development of cocrystallisation experiments. This paper provides the solubility values of HMX and CL-20 in 29 solvents at 293.15 ​K and 333.15 ​K as well as the solubility in five 2-propanol solvent mixtures at 293.15 ​K. Novel CL-20 solvates of 5-methyloxolan-2-one, 1,3-dioxolan-2-one, tetrahydrotiophene 1-oxide, 1,3-dioxolane, furan-2-carbaldehyde and butane-2,3-dione have been isolated and characterised. For all new solvates, single crystal data were obtained, except for furan-2-carbaldehyde. The novel ϑ-conformation of CL-20 was observed in the tetrahydrotiophene 1-oxide solvate. It was found that none of the tested solvents and likely no existing solvent exhibits a beneficial solubility ratio of CL-20 and HMX in the tested temperature range, exceptionally good solubility ratios are most likely the result of solvate formation, and that solvate forming solvents cannot be categorically excluded from consideration as solvent for cocrystallisation of HMX and CL-20.

中亚热带次生林和人工林凋落枝水溶性碳氮磷动态特征

凋落枝是森林地上部分凋落物的重要组分，揭示其水溶性碳氮磷的动态规律对于认识森林物质循环过程具有重要意义，但目前研究集中于凋落叶，而对凋落枝缺乏必要关注。因此，以中亚热带典型马尾松（Pinus massoniana）人工林、杉木（Cunninghamia lanceolata）人工林和米槠（Castanopsis carlesii）次生林为研究对象，在一个自然年内调查了凋落枝水溶性碳、氮、磷含量及其芳香化指数以及化学计量比的动态变化过程。结果显示：（1）米槠次生林凋落枝水溶性碳、氮、磷含量及芳香化指数明显大于马尾松和杉木人工林；（2）水溶性碳和磷、水溶性碳比磷、水溶性氮比磷和芳香化指数有明显的季节变化；（3）水溶性碳、水溶性磷、水溶性氮比磷和芳香化指数在不同林分和季节间有交互作用。（4）马尾松和杉木人工林、米槠次生林凋落枝水溶性物质含量的季节变化多数与气温和降水呈显著负相关。这些结果表明亚热带次生林可能相对于人工林具有更为高效的以凋落枝为载体的物质循环过程，在未来气候变暖背景下亚热带森林由凋落枝归还给土壤的养分浓度可能降低。;Twig litter is an important component of forest litter. It is of great significance to reveal the dynamics of water soluble carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus for understanding the forest material cycle. However, the previous researches paid more attention to leaf litter than twig litter. In this regard, we investigated water soluble carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and aromatization index as well as stoichiometric ratio dynamics of twig litter in a year round in Pinus massoniana plantation, Cunninghamia lanceolata plantation and Castanopsis carlesii secondary forest. Our results showed that:(1) water soluble carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus as well as aromatization index of twig litter in Castanopsis carlesii secondary forest were significantly higher than those of Pinus massoniana and Cunninghamia lanceolata plantations; (2) water soluble carbon and phosphorus, water soluble carbon- phosphorus ratio and nitrogen-phosphorus ratio, as well as aromatization index of twig litter varied significantly in different seasons; (3) there were significant interactions between forest types and sampling seasons in affecting water soluble carbon and nitrogen, water soluble nitrogen-phosphorus ratio, and aromatization index. (4) the seasonal variation of water soluble substance of twig litter in Pinus massoniana, Cunninghamia lanceolata plantation and Castanopsis carlesii secondary forest were negatively correlated with air temperature and precipitation. These results suggest that subtropical secondary forests may have a more efficient nutrients cycling process based on twig litter than plantations, and the concentrations of nutrients cycling back to soil via twig litter will decrease in subtropical forests under future warming scenarios.

Quality of juices from different grape cultivars obtained by distinct extraction systems

The objective of the present work was to evaluate the physicochemical and sensory quality of juices from different grape cultivars resulting from two extraction methods. Juices from eight grape cultivars (‘Bordô’, ‘SCS 421 Paulina’, ‘BRS Carmem’, ‘Concord’, ‘BRS Cora’, ‘Isabel’, ‘Isabel Precoce’ and ‘BRS Violeta’) were prepared using two extraction systems: an integral suquifier; an adapted heat exchanger. Physicochemical determinations, such as soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity,ratio(relation between soluble solids and titratable acidity), reducing sugars, density, turbidity, color, total polyphenols, anthocyanins and antioxidant activity, were evaluated in the obtained juices. Sensory assessment of the juices was also carried out based on the attributes “pleasant aroma”, “unpleasant aroma”, “acidity”, “sweetness”, “balance”, “body”, “astringency” and “overall impression”. The soluble solids content was higher when the integral suquifier was used, while total acidity was lower when the adapted heat exchanger was used for ‘BRS Carmem’ and ‘BRS Violeta’ grape cultivars. The “overall impression” of the juices showed no difference between the treatments for most grape cultivars. According to the physicochemical and antioxidant activity evaluations, the integral suquifier had superior results than the adapted heat exchanger for ‘SCS 421 Paulina’, ‘BRS Carmem’, ‘Concord’ and ‘Isabel Precoce’ grape cultivars. Sensorially, the extraction methods used did not influenced the acceptance of the juices, except for ‘BRS Carmem’, which showed greater appreciation when extracted by the integral suquifier, and for ‘Bordô’, which was more appreciated when extracted by the adapted heat exchanger method.

76 Investigating the effects of increased soluble fiber and incremental exercise on the voluntary physical activity and behaviour of sled dogs

Abstract Optimization of the insoluble:soluble fibers in the diets of dogs can improve gastrointestinal health by increasing commensal bacterial growth. A growing body of research suggests that improved gut health can influence behavior via the gut-brain axis. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of an increased soluble fiber diet on the behavior and voluntary activity of actively training, client-owned Siberian huskies. Fourteen dogs were blocked for age, BW and sex and randomly allocated to either the control or treatment groups. The control group was fed a dry extruded diet that contained an insoluble:soluble fiber ratio of 4:1, and the treatment group was fed a dry extruded diet that contained an insoluble:soluble fiber ratio of 3:1. All dogs underwent eight weeks of incremental conditioning where they trained four days a week. Once a week, a 5-minute video recording was taken immediately pre- and post-exercise to evaluate behaviors. Activity monitors were used to record voluntary activity on two rest days and one active day during weeks -1, 1, 4, 5, and 7. All behavioral and physical activity count data were analyzed using a repeated measures mixed model to test for differences between dietary treatments and week. No differences were observed between treatment or control dogs for any behavior or voluntary physical activity levels (P &amp;gt; 0.05); however, all dogs experienced an exercise-induced reduction in locomotive behaviors prior to exercise throughout the 8-week conditioning period (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Additionally, all dogs were more active during the second consecutive day of rest relative to the first (P &amp;lt; 0.05). These data suggest that while increased soluble fiber in the diets of sled dogs may not affect their behavior, the exercise-related reduction in activity observed begins to recover within one rest day.

Applying Computational Predictions of Biorelevant Solubility Ratio Upon Self-Emulsifying Lipid-Based Formulations Dispersion to Predict Dose Number

Computational approaches are increasingly utilised in development of bio-enabling formulations, including self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS), facilitating early indicators of success. This study investigated if in silico predictions of drug solubility gain i.e. solubility ratios (SR), after dispersion of a SEDDS in biorelevant media could be predicted from drug properties. Apparent solubility upon dispersion of two SEDDS in FaSSIF was measured for 30 structurally diverse poorly water soluble drugs. Increased drug solubility upon SEDDS dispersion was observed in all cases, with higher SRs observed for cationic and neutral versus anionic drugs at pH 6.5. Molecular descriptors and solid-state properties were used as inputs during partial least squares (PLS) modelling resulting in predictive models for SRMC (r2 = 0.81) and SRLC (r2 = 0.77). Multiple linear regression (MLR) facilitated generation of simplified SR equations with high predictivity (SRMC r2 = 0.74; SRLC r2 = 0.69), requiring only three drug properties; partition coefficient at pH 6.5 (logD6.5), melting point (Tm) and aromatic bonds as fraction of total bonds (F-AromB). Through using the equations to inform developability classification system (DCS) classes for drugs that have already been licensed as lipid-based formulations, merits for development with SEDDS was predicted for 2/3 drugs.

Pasta from cellulase-treated wheat bran and durum semolina: Effects of vital gluten addition and/or transglutaminase treatment

Wheat bran was treated with a cellulase preparation and used in the production of high fiber pasta by the partial substitution of durum semolina. The nutritional, textural, and cooking quality of bran-incorporated pasta was measured. In addition, the potentials of vital gluten addition and/or transglutaminase treatment in improving the quality of bran-incorporated pasta were investigated. The use of cellulase-treated wheat bran resulted in a higher soluble fiber content, a more balanced insoluble to soluble fiber ratio, and a lower predicted glycemic index of pasta compared to that of untreated bran. The addition of vital gluten or treatment with transglutaminase improved the cooking performance, textural properties, and overall acceptability of pasta. In particular, the combination of vital gluten addition and transglutaminase treatment was more effective in improving the quality of pasta with cellulase-treated wheat bran.

Enhanced Wet Deposition of Water‐Soluble Organic Nitrogen During the Harvest Season: Influence of Biomass Burning and In‐Cloud Scavenging

AbstractGlobally water‐soluble organic nitrogen (WSON) accounts for about one third of water‐soluble total nitrogen in atmospheric deposition, yet the key factors influencing WSON deposition remain uncertain. In the present study, precipitation and aerosol samples were collected during 2016–2018 at a forest site in the Pearl River Delta, south China. Rainwater WSON concentrations were found to elevate significantly during fall, and wet deposition of WSON during fall could account for about 50% of its annual total wet deposition. The wet deposition and rainwater concentrations of K+ and levoglucosan, which are tracers for biomass burning emissions, also increased substantially during fall. The average WSON/water‐soluble total nitrogen ratio in precipitations (0.48) was over two times higher than that in aerosols (0.20) during fall, while during other seasons, the ratios in precipitations (0.17) and in aerosols (0.19) were comparable. Moreover, concentrations of WSON in rainwater, unlike that of inorganic N, did not decrease significantly with the increase of precipitation amount during fall. These results suggested that enhanced biomass burning during fall (harvest season) might be an important source of in‐cloud WSON, and in‐cloud scavenging, instead of below‐cloud washout, likely contributed remarkably to the wet deposition of WSON.

Diffusion, permeation and solubility of hydrogen, deuterium and tritium in crystalline tungsten: First principles DFT simulations

Tungsten (W) has shown promise to be the most favored plasma facing material in nuclear fusion with deuterium (D) and tritium (T) as fuel. In order to identify a better material, atomistic understanding of the behavior of D/T with W is highly desirable. Here, we report the mechanistic pathways of diffusion of H, D and T in bcc W employing density functional theory (DFT) using PBE and PBE-D3 functional and harmonic transition state theory. The activation diffusion barrier was determined using nudge elastic band techniques. The zero point energy (ZPE) was incorporated by phonon calculations to include the isotope effects. The surface adsorption of H, D and T is predicted to be exothermic, whereas surface to sub-surface and bulk absorption is endothermic but the vacancy induced absorption in bulk W was predicted to be exothermic. H, D and T atoms were observed to be diffused preferably from tetrahedral site to the nearest tetrahedral site. The calculated diffusion coefficients, rate constants, permeability constants and solubility are found to be higher for H compared to its heavier isotopes D and T. The trends of diffusion, permeation and solubility for H, D and T are well in agreement with the experimental results. The diffusion values predicted for H isotopes in bcc W from PBE-D3 method is quite close to the experimental values compared to PBE method. But, the calculated and experimental ratio of diffusivity, permeability and solubility of any two H isotopes follow the similar trend and no considerable change is noticed between PBE and PBE-D3 methods. Further, the calculated diffusion coefficients are shown to be one order of magnitude lower than Cr and two orders than Fe and thus might be the basis for considering W as plasma facing materials. The present study might be useful in modeling the behavior of tritium in W metal for which data is either scattered or least available.

Utilization of Low Nitrogen Barley for Production of Distilling Quality Malt

The potential to utilize low nitrogen barley for production of distilling quality malt was studied. This presents an opportunity to reduce the environmental impact of nitrogen fertilizer applications. Malting barley (cv. Octavia) was grown without the application of inorganic nitrogen fertilizer, to produce grain with a relatively low nitrogen concentration (1.16%, dry weight basis). Following micro-malting trials, dextrinizing units (58 DU) obtained from low nitrogen malt were much higher than a typical specification of 45 DU for malt with a conventional nitrogen concentration (<1.5%). A higher soluble nitrogen ratio (SNR) or index of modification (IoM) of 49 indicated greater modification of the low nitrogen barley, resulting in higher extract released into the wort. Additionally, much lower levels of β-glucan were found in low nitrogen malt wort (64 mg/L compared with over 100 mg/L in wort of conventional nitrogen malt). Low nitrogen malt also produced higher predicted spirit yields following wort fermentation and wash distillation. These findings indicate that lower nitrogen concentration barley can be processed without negatively impacting malt quality for distilling applications. The implication of these findings to help realize more environmentally sustainable production of barley for malting and use in distilling is discussed.

The impact of the degree of intimate mixing on the compaction properties of materials produced by crystallo-co-spray drying

Direct compression remains one of the most favourable methods available to produce tablet compacts due to its simplicity, efficiency and cost effectiveness however, the technique still remains unsuitable for the majority of formulations due to materials exhibiting poor physical properties such as inadequate compressibility and deformation mechanisms. Whereas crystallo-co-spray drying of various blends has shown to improve the tabletting properties of poorly processable materials, the role of the solvent feed composition in altering the soluble fraction ratio of the excipient to the drug in a crystallo-co-spray dried agglomerate is not well understood. The aim of this work was to investigate the role of the soluble fraction of a drug (paracetamol) and an excipient (α-lactose monohydrate) on the tabletting properties of their crystallo-co-spray dried agglomerates produced via co-spray drying using various inlet feed solvent compositions in order to vary the soluble fraction of the excipient in the feed. It was found that an increase in excipient soluble fraction in the inlet feed resulted in a greater degree of intimate mixing in the final spray dried powder blend, which in turn led to an improvement in tabletting properties of the poorly processable drug.

Differences between strawberry cultivars based on principal component analysis

Strawberry culture is of extreme economic importance, especially for small producers, as it has the capacity to add value to small family farms, in addition to absorbing family labor. Principal component analysis (PCA) is a multivariate technique for modeling covariance structure, where a basic idea is to find latent variables that represent linear combinations of a group of variables under study, which in turn are related between itself. In this way, the objective of the work was estimated, through the analysis of main components (PCA), as relationships between development variables, products and fruit quality in different strawberry cultivars. The design used was a randomized block with 11 treatments, consisting of strawberry cultivars of Italian and American origins, with four replications. During the culture cycle, the following variables were evaluated: phyllochron, number of commercial (FC) and non-commercial (FNC) fruits, mass of commercial (MFC) and non-commercial (MFNC) fruits, total titratable acidity (AT), total soluble quantities (SST) and total soluble ratio, titratable acidity (SST / AT). The relationships between the variables were evaluated by the PCA analysis and the results were plotted on the Biplot graph. From the analysis, it was possible to identify the relationships between the variables that show how to cultivate the same photoperiod and the same characteristic origin. Growing short photoperiods are more productive, for example, as the neutral photoperiod has less phyllochron and less acidity. The increase in soluble solids can cause a reduction in acidity, which is one of the characteristics that add flavor to the fruit.