Product Quality Stability Research Articles

K. radicincitans, a beneficial bacteria that promotes radish growth under field conditions

Conserving arable soils is a major challenge in agronomy. Using beneficial native microorganisms such as plant growth-promoting bacteria contributes to sustainability in agricultural systems and helps maintain stable yields and product quality. However, the growth-promoting effects of candidate strains observed in pot trials often disappear under field conditions. Therefore, we studied here the bacterial colonization of Kosakonia radicincitans, a known plant growth-promoting bacteria, and the effect of K. radicincitans on radish. We measured plant growth and glucosinolate profile when plants were grown under glasshouse and field conditions. K. radicincitans cells were applied onto seeds or plants when two leaves had emerged. Our results show an increase of up to 25 % of leaf and tuber weights of inoculated radish plants under glasshouse and field conditions, compared to non-inoculated plants. Glucosinolate contents remained unchanged, except when leaves were sprayed with K. radicincitans. We also found that K. radicincitans suppressed aromatic 2-phenylethyl glucosinolates in leaves. To sum up, we demonstrate for the first time the capability of K. radicincitans to persist and promote plant growth in a member of the Brassicaceae family under field conditions. Therefore, K. radicincitans is a promising candidate for further processing as a growth-promoting product in sustainable agriculture.

Continuous long-term hydrolysis of wheat gluten using a principally food-grade enzyme membrane reactor system

The potential of the enzyme membrane reactor technology has been shown in several studies. In our study, we designed a principally food-grade continuous long-term hydrolysis process of wheat gluten in an enzyme membrane reactor with the proteolytic enzyme preparation Flavourzyme®. Among others, ethanol was the most suitable food-grade processing aid for avoiding contamination and showed high potential for application. The Flavourzyme®/wheat gluten process was comprehensively characterized in the enzyme membrane reactor. Critical factors for the enzyme stability were the temperature, pump stress and enzyme leakage through the membrane. The hydrolysis and process conditions were optimized to increase the space–time yield. Respective process parameters were chosen to obtain sufficient microbial, enzyme and process stability for the whole process time. The long-term hydrolysis was carried out in the presence of 8% (v/v) ethanol with a substrate concentration of 100gL−1 at 37°C and pH 7.5 for 96h. The continuous process resulted in stable product quality (degree of hydrolysis) and space–time yield (6.33gh−1L−1) over time. However, a discontinuous removal of accumulated dry matter was inevitable for the present enzyme membrane reactor process and was performed for 30min every 24h. Due to the fact that the enzymes were reused, the enzyme productivity could be increased by 450% compared to a reference batch process.

Using GlycoExpress for production of highly active antibodies directed against novel and existing targets

G is one of the major post-translational modifications of bio-therapeutics important for bioactivity, bioavailability, immunogenicity and patient coverage. By establishment of the GlycoExpressTM toolbox (GEXTM) we have generated a set of glycol-engineered human cell lines for the high yield production of fully human glycoproteins to optimize the glycosylation of antibodies and non-antibody bio-therapeutics for improvement of the clinical efficacy and side effects. The system is biotechnologically superior in quality, reproducibility and yield compared to other, including conventional production systems. All four clinical products derived from GlycoExpress cells are produced using a perfusion bioreactor system in order to assure highest possible product quality and reproducibility combined with high yield production. Cells are kept in the optimal growing and production phase over the production process which leads to highly stable product quality allowing a flexible duration of the run in one batch size, in combination with stable high productivity of the cells over time. Furthermore the product qualities produced in different scales ranging from 1 L to 200 L bioreactors are highly comparable.

Directed control charts for detecting the shape changes from linear profiles to quadratic profiles

In profile monitoring, control charts are constructed to detect any unanticipated departures from the statistical stability of product quality over time, where product quality is characterised by a function. In many situations, due to the characteristics of a system or an operation, certain process signals can be anticipated. Thus, when a kind of departure specifically feared is identified in advance, a directed process monitoring approach can be developed. Motivated by the monitoring of cylindrical surfaces, this paper focuses on quickly detecting the shape changes from a straight line to a second-order polynomial curve. Based on the hypothesis testing on the quadratic term, two directed control charts and a combined scheme are proposed to surveillance the sampled linear shape. The performance of our proposed methods is studied and compared with the alternative charts by numerical simulations. Simulation studies show that the two proposed directed charts are almost the same, and outperform the alternative methods in some cases. Moreover, the combined scheme is robust for all the parameter combinations.

Evaluation of the stability and antimicrobial activity of an ethanolic extract of Libidibia ferrea

Biofilm is a dense, whitish, noncalcified aggregate of bacteria, with desquamated epithelial cells and food debris creating conditions for an imbalance of resident oral microflora and favoring the destruction of hard and soft tissues by development of caries and gingivitis. The aim of this study was to obtain and characterize an extract of Libidibia ferrea, ex Caesalpinia ferrea L. and to evaluate its feasibility for formulation as a mouthwash, according to current legislation. For this purpose, pH, sedimentation, density, and stability were evaluated, along with microbiological testing of the extract. The microbiological test was used to verify the presence of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, fungi, yeasts, coliforms, and minimum inhibitory concentrations of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus oralis strains. Characterization, microbiological evaluation, and minimum inhibitory concentration results were tabulated and described using descriptive statistics. The L. ferrea extract showed stable characteristics, product quality, and antibacterial activity against the microorganisms tested irrespective of experimental time intervals. According to these results, it can be concluded that formulation of a mouthwash containing L. ferrea extract to control biofilm is feasible, but further studies are needed.

Non-probabilistic Robust Optimization for Polygon Blank Shape Based on Interval Analysis

Friction coefficient, blank holder force, drawbeads geometry and material properties in the actual process of Sheet metal forming all have a certain fluctuation, so they are uncertain. Traditional deterministic optimization design ignores uncertainties, which results in aggravating sheet metal forming performance fluctuation, reducing the product quality and qualification rate. Facing the polygon blank shape optimization problem which has a strong practical value, the uncertainties in the actual production process are further considered. Aiming at less information of uncertain data, non-linear interval number programming, function interval extension, response surface technology and multi-objective genetic algorithm are utilized to construct non-probabilistic robust optimization method based on interval analysis, and the practical examples demonstrate the validity and effectiveness of this method. This method greatly reduces the robust optimization requests for original data, reduces the mould design dependence on the designer's experiences, advances the stability of product quality and decreases the rejection rate and the production cost.

Bench scale electrodeionization for high pressure boiler feed water

In this paper, a bench scale RO/EDI system for high pressure boiler feed water is reported. Technical and economical aspects were evaluated to determine whether RO/EDI system is feasible to replace existing ion exchange bed. The EDI module used in this study was all filled electrodeionization type with mixed bed ion exchange filler. All product quality of demin water produced by RO/EDI during bench scale test shows good water quality (conductivity: 0.3–0.4μs/cm; pH: around 6.3; silica: 0.00–0.01ppm; and Na: <0.003ppm), even better than existing demin water system specification (conductivity: <5μs/cm; pH: 6.5–8.5; silica: <0.12ppm; and Na: <0.3ppm), except pH. Dissolved CO2 in water (HCO3−) is a suspected substance which is present in RO/EDI product water that influences the pH. The specific water cost of RO/EDI was US$0.53/m3 lower than existing ion exchange beds, US$0.66/m3. The main operating costs were membrane replacement and electricity cost. Long term performance of the RO/EDI system showed stable and high product quality even during periods when the feed solution has relatively high conductivity.

The use of spectroscopic measurements from full scale industrial production to achieve stable end product quality

The present study was conducted to investigate different approaches to improve product quality in an industrial setting, by utilizing spectroscopic measurements for process optimization where data are obtained directly from full scale production. The approach taken is to utilise spectroscopic techniques as a fingerprint of uncontrollable raw material variation. The FTIR spectra were used to predict the end product characteristics along with the process parameters instead of predicting previously defined characteristics of the raw material. The present case under study is from cheese production aiming for reduced variation in the dry matter content of the final product. Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR) are available at the plant, but not fully utilized. The results from the study showed that the FTIR spectra do contain significant information relevant for the end product characteristics which is not yet utilized, suggesting that FTIR spectra can be used for process optimisation to improve the stability of the quality. Different strategies to incorporate the spectral data are presented, and the usefulness of full scale production for process optimisation is discussed. The present study also contains optimisation of the production based on data modelling of the raw material variation, the process settings and the product quality over a long time period.

Examination of Tile Industrial Usability of High-Quartz Content Clay

The Hungarian roof tile plants settle near a discovered clay mine in every case thus they work with different content clays. Examining characteristics of certain clay layers is needed to ensure stable product quality. Some clay layers with significantly different content occur among the presently used ones, which need an extensive examination for the production of good quality items. Results of high quartz content clay usability examinations are shown in this paper. The aim of examinations is to determine the usability of frequently occurring high quartz content clays. In the course of tests high quartz content clay mineral was mixed in increased amounts to clay mineral for roof-tile production provided by the industrial partner. Shrinkage, porosity and mechanical properties were examined as a function of mixing ratio.

Control of food products' quality

The paper deals with one of the significant parts of the concept related to controlling production quality, which is the analysis of production quality stability done for the following production procedure regulation aimed at the food manufacturing industry. The proposed methodology (respecting the change of location and variability of the food quality characteristics) will be introduced on the milk quality regulation. Also, there is the frequent problem solved out here in the report that relates to food quality measuring – their self-regulation by using the statistical calculation of self-regulation higher classes’ coefficients and also using the functional statement taken from the differential description.

Potato yield and metabolic profiling under conventional and organic farming

Consumers interest for organic agriculture and environmental-friendly agricultural products is increasing. Nevertheless, cultivation protocols in organic farming are not sufficiently standardized to guarantee product quality stability, a parameter which is critical for further expansion of this niche market. Variable responses in terms of quality and quantity of the harvested product often arise from complex interactions between agronomic and environmental factors. Here we report on the effects of different levels of nitrogen fertilization (0, 50, 150, 200 kg N ha −1) and irrigation regime (50% and 100% replenishment of the evaporation determined using a Class A pan, plus a non-irrigated control) on yield and accumulation of primary metabolites of two potato cultivars (Agria and Merit) grown under conventional and organic farming systems. Organic farming caused a 25% marketable yield reduction with a higher percentage of large tubers under conventional farming, whereas irrigation increased the marketable yield and the percentage of large tubers. Nitrogen fertilization affected the marketable yield and significantly interacted with the irrigation regime in modifying potato yield and quality. Farming protocol, cultivar, irrigation and nitrogen fertilization all affected both amino acid contents and composition with a significant decrease of most essential amino acids in coincidence with highest nitrogen levels. An increased water availability caused an accumulation of reducing sugars in potato tubers only in organic farming, whereas such accumulation was not observed under conventional farming. These results indicate that cultivar-specific genetic determinants and cultivation factors, including the farming system, may strongly and specifically interact to affect important quality parameters of potato tubers. This should be considered to improve quality standards in organic farming.

Process optimization of continuous gluconic acid fermentation by isolated yeast‐like strains of Aureobasidium pullulans

This study was focused on the optimization of a new fermentation process for continuous gluconic acid production by the isolated yeast-like strain Aureobasidium pullulans DSM 7085 (isolate 70). Operational fermentation parameters were optimized in chemostat cultures, using a defined glucose medium. Different optima were found for growth and gluconic acid production for each set of operation parameters. Highest productivity was recorded at pH values between 6.5 and 7.0 and temperatures between 29 and 31 degrees C. A gluconic acid concentration higher than 230 g/L was continuously produced at residence times of 12 h. A steady state extracellular gluconic acid concentration of 234 g/L was measured at pH 6.5. 122% air saturation yielded the highest volumetric productivity and product concentration. The biomass-specific productivity increased steadily upon raising air saturation. An intracellular gluconic acid concentration of about 159 g/L (0.83 mol) was determined at 31 degrees C. This is to be compared with an extracellular concentration of 223 g/L (1.16 mol), which indicates the possible existence of an active transport system for gluconic acid secretion, or the presence of extracellular glucose oxidizing enzymes. The new process provides significant advantages over the traditional discontinuous fungi operations. The process control becomes easier, thus offering stable product quality and quantity.

Effects of cold smoking procedures and raw material characteristics on product yield and quality parameters of cold smoked Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar L.) fillets

Quality parameters of cold smoked fillets of Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar) from six different farms in Norway and the Faeroe Islands were investigated after processing with a gentle (manual filleting, dry salting) or tough (machine filleting, injection salting, extended drying) cold smoking procedure. Raw material fat content (15.6–21.1%) and carotenoid composition (astaxanthin 5.7–10.6 mg/kg, canthaxanthin 0.0–4.0 mg/kg) were different. Surface lightness was correlated to a high canthaxanthin or fat content. Product yield and water content was higher in injection salted than dry salted fillets ( p<0.001). Injection salted fillets had higher gaping score and softer texture when compared to dry salted ( p<0.001). Differences in colour, texture, gaping scores and total liquid loss between raw material groups were not retained consistently after cold smoking, implying that quality traits of the smoked products are difficult to predict from raw material characteristics. The coefficients of variation in quality traits were not significantly different for the smoking procedures, indicating that the stability of product quality is rather robust to choice of processing method. It is concluded that choice of procedure for cold smoking of Atlantic salmon fillets has a more profound effect on product quality characteristics and proximate composition than raw material.

By Overexpression in the Yeast Pichia pastoris to Enhanced Enantioselectivity: New Aspects in the Application of Pig Liver Esterase.

Stable product quality without the interfering influences of other isoenzymes and hydrolases is possible through the application of recombinant pig liver esterase (rPLE), for which functional expression has now been achieved for the first time. In the hydrolysis of 1-phenyl-2-butyl acetate rPLE leads to substantially higher enantioselectivity than commercial PLE preparations.

Direct control of wet granulation processes by image processing system

Recent trend in granulation technology is toward an improvement of process efficiency, stability of product quality and labor-saving. With such improvements and recent temporary increases in demand for granulation technologies, there is a great need for a reliable tool for the process monitoring and control. This paper presents new technologies for measurement and control of granule growth in wet granulation processes. Advanced technologies of image processing realize direct and continuous control of wet granulation processes. This contribution may assist readers who wish to stabilize the product quality and to establish the automated operation system of wet granulation processes.

GM-2 THE RESEARCH OF HIGH EFFICIENCY MANUFACTURING OF HIGH ACCURACY GEARS FOR ROLLING STOCK(GEAR MANUFACTURING)

The gear used in high speed rolling stocks is required high accuracy, low vibration, low noise and high reliability of good durability and absolute safety. As we have chances to manufacture gears for high speed rolling stock for several countries, we would like to report practical results that covered high efficiency hobbing, improvement of heat-treatment method, carbide skiving hobbing before tooth grinding and tooth grinding to obtain stable product quality and high production efficiency.

Operator Support System for Fertilizer Plant

Norsk Hydro a.s. is designing an operator support system to be implemented in a compound fertilizer plant by the summer of 1992. The goal of the system is to help operators keep process upsets to a minimum, thus reducing the total pollution from the plant as well as ensuring more stable product quality. This will be done by giving early warnings of process conditions that may lead to undesirable effects at a later time and by assisting the operators in tracing process upsets to their root cause. A combination of qualitative (rule-based) and quantitative (model-based) methods are used. The diagnosis is performed by a topological search from the detection point to the probable cause. The search is directed by automatic checking of process streams for unacceptable deviations. With few exceptions, rules are independent of the specific configuration, thus minimising the work needed after process modifications.

Progressive technology, the basis of product quality stability and production effectiveness

Progressive technology, the basis of product quality stability and production effectiveness