Raw Material Variability Research Articles

The intentional variability of Lapita pottery fabrics

Results from petrographic and chemical analysis of decorated Lapita pottery from Vao, Vanuatu show that the majority was manufactured locally but that several variations of local raw materials were used. This indicates that temper material was collected from a range of settings, most of them accessible locally on Malakula. Two samples have temper corresponding with raw materials expected from the island of Efate in central Vanuatu where other significant Lapita sites are located. This pattern of fabric variability parallels recurrent practices documented at other founder Lapita sites, including Teouma on Efate. We propose that mobility and experimentation are not the only explanations available to justify the greater initial variability in raw materials used for pottery manufacturing at founder Lapita settlements. We argue that the variability of raw material results from a purposeful strategy guided by cultural norms or rules similar to those directing other behaviors associated with decorated Lapita pots, such as decorative motifs, paint application, vessel forms, and deliberate burial.

Development of a Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Intestinal In Vitro Platform for Profiling Amino Acid Digestion and Absorption of a Complete Diet.

The ever-increasing number and variation of raw materials utilized to provide alternative feed formulations continues to allow for a more sustainable and flexible approach. Testing all these options in vivo is still the most robust and reliable manner to pick the best raw material candidates, but it requires the use of large numbers of animals and is time-consuming and expensive. Therefore, we are developing an in vitro platform that can provide a reliable evaluation of new ingredients. The main aim of this work was to combine an in vitro digestion protocol of extruded, commercially relevant aquafeeds with the exposure of intestinal epithelial cells to the extracted bio-available fraction (BAF). The results show that 250,000 cells/cm2 represents the optimal seeding density and that up to 50% BAF concentration for up to 24 h had no negative effects on the epithelial barrier morphology and function. It is possible to determine amino acid digestibility and bioavailability in all the experimental conditions (with and without BSA, at 25% and 50% dilution) and at all time points (0, 6, and 24 h). However, BAF concentration, the medium used for its dilution, and the length of exposure to the different epithelial cell lines can all influence the results and, therefore, must be selected according to the final aim of the experiment.

Defining multivariate raw material specifications via SMB-PLS

The Sequential Multi-Block Partial Least Squares (SMB-PLS) model inversion is applied for defining analytically the multivariate raw material region providing assurance of quality with a certain confidence level for the critical to quality attributes (CQA). The SMB-PLS algorithm does identify the variation in process conditions uncorrelated with raw material properties and known disturbances, which is crucial to implement an effective process control system attenuating most raw material variations. This allows expanding the specification region and, hence, one may potentially be able to accept lower cost raw materials that will yield products with perfectly satisfactory quality properties. The methodology can be used with historical/happenstance data, typical in Industry 4.0. This is illustrated using simulated data from an industrial case study.

Are crucible steel ingots isotopically homogenous? AMS radiocarbon measurements on ingots from Telangana, India

Radiocarbon analysis is increasingly used to directly date archaeological and historical metal objects, ranging from low-carbon bloomery iron to steel and cast iron. However, little is known about the isotopic homogeneity of iron-carbon alloys, particularly relating to the formation of primary cementite during crystallisation. Here, we present 14C measurements for five crucible steel ingots and one crucible steel object from Telangana in south-central India. Two of the ingots were analysed twice. The results show a very wide scatter of 14C dates, far exceeding the expected age range for this assemblage. The repeat analysis of one of the ingots gave also widely different results, indicating a fundamental problem with the 14C analysis of crucible steel. We discuss the various factors that could have influenced the measured isotopic values, including variability in raw material, sampling contamination, and fractionation during the cleaning of the metal in hot acid leading to excessive sample mass losses prior to the extraction of carbon from the metal. We argue that mass-dependant fractionation of the different carbon isotopes between austenite and cementite during solidification of the ingot, and subsequent selective dissolution of one metal phase over the other, led to a distortion of the 14C signature to seemingly older ages. We recommend further research to explore the compound-specific isotopic signature of high-carbon iron alloys and the effect of selective corrosion on such material, to reduce potential errors in 14C dating of steel and cast iron.

Value-Added Analysis and Affecting Factors Coconut Sugar Offers (Case Study: Coconut Sugar Maker in Manyampa Village Ujung Loe District Bulukumba Regency)

This study aimed to determine the value of processing coconut sap into coconut sugar. In Manyampa Village, Ujung Loe Subdistrict, and the factors that affect the supply of coconut sugar in Manyampa Village, Ujung Loe Subdistrict, carried out from August to December 2021. Location determination was determined intentionally. Determination of the number of samples using the saturated sampling method because the number of pieces is relatively small, amounting to 15 respondents. Variables in this research consist of respondent identity and value-added analysis of coconut sugar derived from coconut sap. This data was analyzed using value-added analysis and Multiple Linear Regression Analysis. The results showed that the added value generated from one month of making coconut sugar in the village of Manyampa, Ujung Loe sub-district, was high, with an added value ratio of >50, with a percentage of 85%. And simultaneously, the supply of coconut sugar in Manyampa Village, Ujung Loe District, is influenced by the price of raw materials and other goods. The number of producers, Partially only raw material variables, affects the supply of coconut sugar. In contrast, the price of coconut sugar, the number of producers, and the costs of other goods do not affect the supply of coconut sugar.

Analisis Kesetimbangan Massa Dan Rendemen Pada Sistem Distilasi Daun Nilam Menjadi Minyak Atsiri

Indonesia is one of the largest essential oil producing countries in the world and is supported by natural resources with climatic conditions, soil and plant species that are very suitable for the growth of patchouli plants. The use of essential oils today is not only as a raw material for fragrances and cosmetics but also in the health sector. One of the basic ingredients for producing essential oils is patchouli. The main thing that needs to be considered in the processing of this essential patchouli oil is the yield it produces. This study aims to analyze the mass balance and yield in the processing of patchouli essential oil in a distillation system with 5kg, 4kg, 3kg patchouli leaf raw material variations. Distillation of patchouli leaves was carried out using the steam and water distillation method with a temperature in the kettle not exceeding 100 oC for 6 hours. The main variables in the processing of patchouli leaves into essential oil are distillation efficiency and the yield obtained. The more mass of patchouli leaves used, the more it will increase the distillation efficiency of 79.7%, 82.1% and 82.4% as well as the yield of the resulting oil increased 1.67%, 1.7% and 1.78%

Robust Design of Aero Engine Structures: Using the Weighted Product Method

Total loss of quality in products or processes Reduction is the objective of robust design. Strong Design is an effective approach that aims to simultaneously decrease product costs and enhance quality while also significantly reducing development time. Strength is defined as a skill Raw material, operating conditions, process equipment, environmental conditions, and human Expected variation in factors Tolerant manufacturing process. Robust design is the design of products, devices, and manufacturing equipment so that their performance and functionality are insensitive to multiple variations, such as manufacturing and assembly tolerances, ambient use conditions, or degradation over time. Therefore, there is not strong design sensitivity – meaning that variation in the product will have minimal influence. In essence, robust design means minimizing the impact of variation on a product. One or more due to unforeseen circumstances Input variables or assumptions are rigorous although modified, their output and predictions are accurate A model is considered robust if. The alternatives being considered are related to specific aircraft features: the aerodynamic characteristic (C1), maximum takeoff weight (C2), armament (C3), and avionics (C4). The evaluation options are Ao, F-16, Su-35, and Mig-35. Based on the evaluation results, Ao obtained the top rank, while Mig-35 received the lowest rank.The value of the dataset for Robust Design of Aero Engine in Weighted product method shows that it results in Ao and top ranking

Standardization of Requirements for Culture Media Used to Assess the Quality of Drugs (Review)

Introduction. A reliable assessment of the quality and safety of medical products (MP) by biological indicators is directly related to the use of culture media (CM) that meet the established requirements. However, when conducting trial, it is necessary to take into account the peculiarities of culture media due to the presence in their composition of components of biological origin. In particular, a high degree of variability and unstable stability of raw materials, as well as possible mistakes in producing and storage of media, create the prerequisites for deviations. The use of industrial culture media also does not guarantee their suitability for the appropriate test. Therefore to obtain reliable results, the compliance of each batch CM with the specified criteria be confirmed must be confirmed by standard methods using the full range of meaningful indicators. The current lack of a state standard in the Russian Federation regulating the requirements for the use of culture media when confirming the quality of medical products makes it much more difficult to assess the suitability, comparability and reliability of the analysis results, both themselves CM and drugs.Text. The article discusses the draft General Pharmacopoeia Article (GPM) "Culture media", which presents the general requirements for of culture media when used in pharmacopoeia analysis. The standard is intended for specialists involved in the development, improvement and application of methods and / or techniques necessary for confirming the properties of medical products for the purpose of registration, entry into civil circulation, as well as in their production. The document was drawn up taking into account modern domestic and international approaches of good pharmaceutical practices to the assessment of the drugs that involve the use of culture media. The project identifies the key factors that most affect the quality of culture media. Based on the principle of continuity, compiled and described in detail a set of standardized control methods, including tests on physical-chemical and biological indicators. For exploring of specific properties, there are requirements for test cultures have been established. Governs special requirements for culture media used to obtain biological medical products are regulated. The procedure for storage and disposal of culture media unsuitable for use is described.Conclusion. The introduction of the GPM "Culture media" into the practice of domestic pharmacopoeic analysis will increase the reliability of the results of the evaluation of the effectiveness and safety of drugs, and as a result will lead to a reduction in production risks and risks of harm to health patients during in pharmacotherapy and immunoprophylaxis. The proposed approaches can also be used in other branches of science and industry.

Two methods on one stone: Integrating visual and analytical techniques to clarify lithic raw material utilization in the Middle and Later Stone Age at Umhlatuzana rockshelter (South Africa)

We develop a study protocol to efficiently and accurately identify the raw material categories constituting the lithic assemblages at Umhlatuzana rockshelter, South Africa. We combine visual and analytical methods to establish a raw material database and to provide a more accurate insight into raw material selection during the Pleistocene Middle and Later Stone Age occupational sequence of Umhlatuzana. The protocol combines petrological properties (as studied on micromorphological samples), elemental composition of the specimens (as measured with p-XRF) and visual characterization by lithic analysts. We tested the protocol by applying it to a sample of piece-plotted lithics from four spits across the stratigraphic sequence. We document the intensive use of sandstone accounting for 25% of the tested sample. We also report a larger importance of hornfels and lower proportion of quartz than was reported in previous analyses (Kaplan 1990). The combination of micromorphological and p-XRF analysis of the Umhlatuzana assemblages demonstrates that with only visual inspection, the variability of raw materials used may be misinterpreted. With accurate raw material datasets, we are better equipped to answer techno-economic questions of the southern African Stone Age.

Sterilization of Ready to Serve Product for Special Needs of Hajj and Umrah: Skipjack Tuna in A Retort Pouch Package

One crucial period in the provision of food for Hajj/Umrah is the time between opening the package and consuming it by the pilgrims. This study aimed to determine the sterilization time to prevent damage and maintain acceptance by consumers. The methodology of this research was sterilization with variations in retort pressure settings and raw materials: (A) 1.8 bar pressure, 100 % skipjack; (B) 1.2 bar pressure, 90 % skipjack; (C) 1.2 bar pressure, 70 % skipjack; (D) 1.8 bar pressure, 50 % skipjack. The analysis included two components. The (i) was the determination of the adequacy of sterilization time, the (ii) was the observation of quality deterioration, which was based on organoleptic and Total Plate Count. The results showed that the adequacy of sterilization for variations A, B, C, and D was: 121.5 °C for 4.8 min; 114.5 °C for 4.8 min; 115.4 °C for 5.31 min, and 124.0 °C for 13.4 min. TPC analysis, which was carried out at 0 h, 3 h, 9 h, and 12 h in a row were 4 × 100, 2 × 102, 2 × 102, and 3 × 103. In terms of consumer acceptance, sterilized products have good values, with organoleptic values ranging from 7.8 to 8.2 (scale 1 to 10).

Utilization of concrete waste from demolition sites in pavement subgrade

The direct use of recycled waste concrete (RWC) is difficult as the demolished concrete shows large variation of raw materials and higher rate of water absorption due to the porosity of the lumps. Owing to such reasons, the utilization of the RWC is difficult for structural applications; however, it may be interesting to explore the feasibility of using RWC in non-structural applications such as subgrade layer of pavements. In this research work, the demolished concrete has been recycled with nominal crushing treatment in a ball mill and separated as fine powder, small to medium size aggregates. The soil samples have been prepared consisting soft clay (SC) type subgrade soil with all three forms of RWC in equal proportions. The SC has been replaced from 0% to 70% by weight with the blended RWC. Tests for the subgrade characterization namely California Bearing Ratio (CBR) values, dry density, moisture content, and plate load tests have been conducted. Under all test conditions, the addition of the RWC into the SC soil showed improvement at a given fraction of replacement. The work supported the feasibility of the utilization of the RWC for preparing the subgrade layer for the pavements and promoting the sustainability of the waste concrete in the civil engineering applications.

ANALISIS PENGARUH FAKTOR-FAKTOR PRODUKSI TERHADAP PRODUKTIVITAS PENJUALAN (Studi Pada Langsung Enak Bakery Sumbawa Besar)

This study aims to analyze the factors of production on sales productivity at Langsung Enak Bakery in 2017-2021. This type of research is associate research, namely research that aims to determine the relationship between two or more variables. The variables to be examined are labor and raw material variables as independent variables (X) and sales productivity variables as the dependent variable (Y). The data used is quantitative data in the form of the number of workers, the cost of raw materials and the number of sales for the last five years, namely 2017-2021, which were obtained from documents and archives contained in the Langsung Enak Bakery company at Sumbawa Besar. The data that has been collected will then be processed using the SPSS program to be studied using techniques which include simple linear regression analysis, individual parameter hypothesis testing (t test), simultaneous parameter hypothesis testing (F test), and determinant coefficient test (R2). The results of this study indicate that labor and raw materials have a positive and significant effect on sales productivity at Langsung Enak Bakery Sumbawa Besar, both partially and simultaneously. The degree of influence of labor and raw materials on sales productivity at Langsung Enak Bakery Sumbawa Besar is 93.6%, while the remaining 6.4% is influenced by other variables outside this research model, such as product quality, price, location, promotion and others.

Hybrid modeling supported development of an industrial small-molecule flow chemistry process

Continuous manufacturing of small molecules finds increasing application in developing novel processes due to its significant advantages. The development of these processes is increasingly being supported by models, in a quest to reduce the number of experiments and increase insight. With the Quality by Design paradigm in mind, answers to questions anent the impact of changes in process parameters and material attributes on the process performance and product quality are sought to be answered.In this contribution, a hybrid model is used to describe the impact of raw material variations and process parameter changes on the product quantity and quality of flow chemistry process. The process model is then used for process optimization aiming at maximizing the product concentration. During the optimization, a constraint that accounts for the risk of model misprediction is considered to explore only process conditions for which the model can describe the process behavior. The obtained optimal conditions are in agreement with expectations and underline the potential for hybrid model-based process development.

A review on recent eco-friendly strategies to utilize rice straw in construction industry: pathways from bane to boon.

With the growing demand, a large amount of paddy has been harvested by growers leaving behind the stubble (left over rice straw), which is being a big burden on the farmers for its management. For the easy access, the burning of stubble has been opted which in turn results in the deterioration of the environment. To mitigate this problem, rice straw utilization strategies should be opted. Therefore, in this review article, the strategies of utilizing rice straw in fiber or ash form to manufacture construction materials have been summarized. The manuscript also considers the method of productions, variability in raw materials, and various mechanical/physical properties of construction materials targeted. Further, the financial aspects related to utilization of rice straw and rice straw ash are also encoded at last. This review will be helpful to expedite the research in this field and may also be used for startups related to various product development using straw in the local areas, which may depreciate the burning of straw in the field and its environmental effects.

Assessing raw material diversity at Poverty Point (16WC5) using non‐destructive reflectance spectroscopy

AbstractLithic raw material variation is valuable for assessing the scale of human mobility, differential access to and from raw material sources, and prehistoric exchange patterns. Recent advancements in non‐destructive reflectance spectroscopy have proven to be more accurate in provenance investigations compared with the macroscopic (visual) identification technique for lithic artifacts. Here, we use visible/near‐infrared reflectance and Fourier transform reflectance spectroscopy on a collection of 845 lithic bifaces at Poverty Point (16WC5) site in northeastern Louisiana, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is well‐known for the presence of nonlocal materials, including stone tools. This study describes the first systematic approach to analyzing and interpreting hyperspectral reflectance data for cryptocrystalline silicate (e.g., chert and flint) artifacts at Poverty Point site. The chert materials identified in this study reaffirm the idea that tool stones arriving at the Poverty Point site came from diverse geologic sources, covering an expansive geographic area.

Microbial Astaxanthin Production from Agro-Industrial Wastes—Raw Materials, Processes, and Quality

The antioxidant and food pigment astaxanthin (AX) can be produced by several microorganisms, in auto- or heterotrophic conditions. Regardless of the organism, AX concentrations in culture media are low, typically about 10–40 mg/L. Therefore, large amounts of nutrients and water are necessary to prepare culture media. Using low-cost substrates such as agro-industrial solid and liquid wastes is desirable for cost reduction. This opens up the opportunity of coupling AX production to other existing processes, taking advantage of available residues or co-products in a biorefinery approach. Indeed, the scientific literature shows that many attempts are being made to produce AX from residues. However, this brings challenges regarding raw material variability, process conditions, product titers, and downstream processing. This text overviews nutritional requirements and suitable culture media for producing AX-rich biomass: production and productivity ranges, residue pretreatment, and how the selected microorganism and culture media combinations affect further biomass production and quality. State-of-the-art technology indicates that, while H. pluvialis will remain an important source of AX, X. dendrorhous may be used in novel processes using residues.

Distribution characteristics and ecological risks of heavy metals in bottom ash, fly ash, and particulate matter released from municipal solid waste incinerators in northern Vietnam.

Residue concentrations of heavy metals, including As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn, were determined in bottom ash, fly ash, and particulate matter (PM10) samples collected from five municipal incinerators in northern Vietnam to assess their occurrence, distribution characteristics, and potential risks. Concentrations and profiles of heavy metals are presented, showing the dominance of Zn in all types of samples. Highly volatile elements (Cd, Pb, and Zn) were found at elevated proportions in PM10 but not fly ash. The large difference in the heavy metal profiles could be explained by the variation of input raw materials, the absence of an appropriate cycle for the material feeding process, and post-combustion technology applied. Mass balance of heavy metals in the bottom ash, fly ash, and PM10 varied significantly between the investigated incinerators, largely due to the difference in incineration technology and air pollution control system. Emission factors and annual emissions were also estimated, indicating the highest value and amount in bottom ash, followed by PM10 and fly ash. Our results are among the first studies reporting contents and emissions of toxic elements in incinerated solid wastes in Vietnam.

Effect of batch-to-batch variation of spray dried lactose on the performance of feeders

With the emergence of quality by design (QbD), it becomes imperative to gain understanding of the impact of batch-to-batch variability of raw materials on the performance of processes. Feeding is the first unit of operation in a continuous manufacturing line and is critical for the final product quality. The performance of feeders defines the content of components that are fed into the system and therefore the composition that ends up in the formulation. In this paper, it is investigated how and to what extent variability of lactose can impact the feeding performance in different feeder set-ups. Spray dried lactose SuperTab 11SD was selected as a material, as it is one of the most widely used filler-binders for direct compression of tablets and can make up to 70% of the tablet content. For the first time, over 200 batches were evaluated regarding the impact of batch-to-batch variability upon feeding performance in volumetric mode. Results show that for an optimized feeder set-up with 22 mm double concave screws rotating at 342 rpm, the batch-to-batch variation was negligible compared to the natural feeding variability. However, for a stretched feeder set-up with 11 mm double concave screws rotating at 514 rpm, variability in material properties introduces additional variation in the obtained feed factor. Excipient variability and feeding set-up are therefore two factors to be considered when optimizing feeding consistency. • Impact of variability upon feeding performance was investigated for >200 batches. • The batch-to-batch variability is neglectable for an optimized feeder set-up. • Batch-to-batch variability can introduce variability in a stretched feeder set-up.

Interpolation of Pathway Based Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Data for Defect Detection and Localization in Pre-Baked Carbon Anodes

Producing consistent quality pre-baked carbon anodes for the Hall–Héroult aluminum reduction process is challenging due to the decreasing quality and increasing variability of anode raw materials. Non-destructive testing techniques (NDT) have been developed and recently implemented in manufacturing plants to establish better suited and more efficient quality control schemes than core sampling and characterization. These technologies collect measurements representing effective properties of the materials located along a pathway between two transducers (emitter and receiver), and not spatially-resolved distribution of properties within the anode volume. A method to interpolate pathway-based measurements and provide spatially-resolved distribution of properties is proposed in this work to help NDT technologies achieve their full potential. The interpolation method is tested by simulating acousto-ultrasonic data collected from a large number of 2D and 3D toy examples representing simplified anode internal structures involving randomly generated defects. Experimental validation was performed by characterizing core samples extracted from a set of industrial anodes and correlating their properties with interpolated speed of sound by the algorithm. The method is shown to be successful in determining the defect positions, and the interpolated results are shown to correlate significantly with mechanical properties.

Raw material variability in food manufacturing: a data-driven snack food industry case

ABSTRACT Management of variability in raw materials is critical in food manufacturing systems, where the variability of input attributes is a result of its biological nature. We present a methodology for the analysis of such production systems that provides a means for assessing tactical and strategic issues. To illustrate our method we partner with a large food manufacturer whose primary raw material is wheat flour to examine how variation in raw material attributes and the use of manufacturing controls impact the firm's finished goods quality and net revenue outcomes. At the strategic level, we investigate the supplier selection problem where the firm must choose which supplier criterion to emphasize: lower price or higher quality. We find that the firm's operations fall short of achieving optimal net revenue, which would represent an increase of 65%. We also show that flour price should be the driving force in supplier selection for our firm..