Development of low-alcohol isotonic beer by interrupted fermentation

Alcohol-free beer with isotonic properties is getting more popular and its production can be carried out by different production strategies; however, interrupted fermentation is still a challenge. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop a low-alcohol isotonic beer (<0.5% v/v) by interrupted fermentation. Moreover, the major objective is to compare the developed product to commercial beverages (sports drinks, ‘Pilsen' regular beer, alcohol-free beers and low-alcohol isotonic beer). The beverages were evaluated based on pH, alcohol content (% v/v), total titratable acidity (mEq L⁻¹), osmolality (mOsmol kg⁻¹), bitterness International Bitterness Units, colour European Brewery Convention, total phenolic compounds (mg L⁻¹ gallic acid), reducing and total sugars (%) and Na and K contents (mg L⁻¹). The developed low-alcohol isotonic beer presented characteristics similar to sports drinks, with the advantage of being richer in phenolic compounds and suitable osmolality. Despite salts were added in its formulation, the grades attributed to all beers employed in the sensory evaluation, as well as the purchase intention did not present significant differences.     

Effect of a Small Amount of Synthetic Fiber on Performance of Biocarbon-Filled Nylon-Based Hybrid Biocomposites

Advanced hybrid biocomposites are engineered from nylon 6, waste wood biosourced carbon (biocarbon) with a low content of synthetic fiber for lightweight auto-parts uses. The novel engineering process through direct injection molding of only 2 wt% synthetic fibers in the form of masterbatch with 20 wt% biocarbon, results outstanding performance of the resulting nylon biocomposites. Such uniquely developed biocomposites show tensile strength of 105 MPa and tensile modulus of 5.14 GPa with a remarkable heat deflection temperature (HDT) of 206 °C. The direct injection molding of synthetic fiber retains the length ≈3 times higher as compared to traditional extrusion and injection molding; resulting greater degree of entanglement and composite reinforcement effectiveness in the hybrid biocomposites. Highly dimensionally stable nylon 6 biocomposites with a very low coefficient of linear thermal expansion results through reinforcing ability of the sustainable biocarbon and small amount of synthetic fiber.     

Naproxen removal from water by chlorination and biofilm processes

Naproxen is an anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical that has been detected in natural and engineered aquatic environments. The primary aim of this research was to study chemical transformations of naproxen following chlorine oxidation, which is common in water and wastewater treatment systems. Synthetic waters containing elevated concentrations of naproxen were oxidized by free chlorine at naproxen:chlorine molar ratios of 0.02-3:1 and pH values of 5-9. The formation of naproxen products was dependent on pH, chlorine dosage and contact time. This study demonstrates that naproxen readily reacts with free chlorine and forms disinfection products. The formation of specific reaction products can vary depending on the characteristics of the water or wastewater and treatment operating conditions. More research is needed to identify intermediate and chemical reaction end products and to understand the reaction kinetics of naproxen chlorination for a range of water and wastewater treatment conditions. A secondary aim of this research was to study effects of naproxen and its chlorination products on biofilm processes, which are common in water and wastewater treatment systems and natural aquatic environments. A bioreactor was fed a naproxen solution and then fed a solution at the same naproxen concentration following contact with free chlorine. Results indicate that naproxen was not degraded biologically for the conditions of this study. In contrast, the naproxen solution containing products of chlorination caused an adverse response by discharging biomass from the bioreactor. Results therefore demonstrate that naproxen products of chlorination can adversely affect a biofilm process, which potentially can impact the performance of biofilm processes in natural and engineered aquatic environments. More research is needed to study naproxen chlorination reactions at low concentrations and in complex matrices, and to understand the toxicological relevance of naproxen and its products of chlorination in natural and engineered aquatic environments.     

Meanings of limited equity homeownership in community land trusts

Abstract

Discourses regarding homeownership in the United States emphasize housing as an economic investment. This focus fosters a number of problems, including inflated housing values, increased segregation, economic divisions, and the foreclosure crisis. Community land trusts (CLTs) put land in a non-profit trust to keep it affordable long-term. We examine CLTs as affordable housing organizations where individual residents own homes in the trust and lease the land underneath from the CLT. Interviews of CLT homeowners and staff in Minnesota, USA, show that the use value of CLT housing creates opportunities for different life choices. CLT homeowners cite stability and autonomy as the primary benefits of homeownership. They expressed newfound confidence and freedom to pursue personal goals and live less restricted lives after moving into CLT homes, a finding also emphasized by CLT staff. Limited equity housing such as CLTs can both reinforce dominant meanings of homeownership as providing security and autonomy, while also fostering access and affordability for low-income residents.     

Hans Scharoun and the aftermath of the First World War

The connection between the First World War experience and the inter-war German avant-garde is axiomatic. Current scholarship focuses almost exclusively on artists and writers although it was architects such as Walter Gropius, Bruno Taut and Hans Scharoun who led the German avant-garde in the 1920s. It is, of course, easier to uncover connections between art and war than between architecture and war since artists often drew, painted or sculpted pieces that directly addressed the trauma of war whereas buildings do not. Nevertheless, architects were profoundly influenced by the events of 1914–1918 and commented on the significance of the war experience to their work. The little scholarship that does examine architects focuses almost exclusively on war memorials and ignores the effect the war had on aesthetic ideas and the direction of progressive architectural design. This paper explores the case of Hans Scharoun, who was one of Germany's most important architects in the first half of the twentieth century, to probe the ways his war service, and the events he participated in and witnessed, may have affected the course of his inter-war practice.     

Scale and scope of environmental planning transformations: The Israeli case

This paper explores the scale and scope of transformations in the environmental planning field, and the factors that may advance or impede their widespread adoption. A conceptual model is offered which examines scope (defined as type, breadth and structure of the transformation), and the scale of its impact (categorized as stakeholder, organizational, institutional or societal) and applies it to the analysis of several cases in Israel where environmental transformations, affecting the way in which planning is conducted, have been adopted. Conclusions include identification of conditions for facilitating and advancing transformations, including knowledge of innovative alternatives, initiative, willingness to adopt new practices, and identification of policy windows that emerge during conflict, reform, or crisis. The fostering of relations between environmental non-government organizations and planning systems and leadership roles are also significant in catalyzing environmental transformation.