A general compartment‐based population balance model for particle coating and layered granulation

In this work, a general multidimensional population balance (PB) model is developed to predict the coating volume distribution on polydisperse particles as a function of time during particle coating in a paddle mixer. The model adopts a compartmental approach to account for coating variation caused by particle flow heterogeneity. Simulations show that for a realistic range of seed particle size polydispersity and coating mass applied, the coating volume distribution depends on the growth rate exponent and seed particle size distribute on, with the coating volume coefficient of variance (CoV) approaching an asymptotic value as the coating‐to‐particle volume ratio increases. These effects cannot be predicted by simpler one‐dimensional models. However, the full two‐dimensional PB and simpler one‐dimensional models such as Mann's equation do predict similar sensitivity of coating volume CoV to the variation in the compartment model parameters, i.e., to changes in the particle mixing behavior in the vessel. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012     

Editorial: Biodegradable Materials

This Special Issue “Biodegradable Materials” features research and review papers concerning recent advances on the development, synthesis, testing and characterisation of biomaterials. These biomaterials, derived from natural and renewable sources, offer a potential alternative to existing non-biodegradable materials with application to the food and biomedical industries amongst many others. In this Special Issue, the work is expanded to include the combined use of fillers that can enhance the properties of biomaterials prepared as films. The future application of these biomaterials could have an impact not only at the economic level, but also for the improvement of the environment.     

Evaluation of Agronomic and Seed Characteristics in Elevated Oleic Acid Soybean Lines in the South-Eastern US

Increasing oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid, is reported to strike the best balance between cold flow properties and oxidative stability in soybean seed oil to enhance biodiesel and produce a better burning fuel. In addition, it is important that elevated oleic acid soybeans have the agronomic traits of local cultivars and maintain oleic acid stability across environments. Research was conducted in 2007–2008 to evaluate six Roundup Ready^® soybean recombinant inbred lines exhibiting enhanced levels of oleic acid. The six elevated oleic lines averaged a 55% increase in oleic acid and a 43% decrease in linolenic acid over the two commercial cultivars (AG3906 and AG4103). Some elevated oleic acid genotypes fulfilled the linear regression definition of a stable genotype. TN03-93RR was the best genotype because of its oleic acid content (397 g kg^?1) and desirable regression estimates for stability. Iodine value (IV), peroxide value (PV), and induction period (IP) were used to evaluate the fuel properties of the two lines with the highest oleic acid content and the two commercial cultivars. The elevated oleic acid lines had significantly better IP, PV and IV for better biodiesel properties and oxidative stability than the two commercial cultivars.     

Apple,Carrot, and Hibiscus Edible Films Containing the Plant Antimicrobials Carvacrol and Cinnamaldehyde Inactivate Salmonella Newport on Organic Leafy Greens in Sealed Plastic Bags

The objective of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial effects of carvacrol and cinnamaldehyde incorporated into apple, carrot, and hibiscus‐based edible films against Salmonella Newport in bagged organic leafy greens. The leafy greens tested included organic Romaine and Iceberg lettuce, and mature and baby spinach. Each leafy green sample was washed, dip inoculated with S. Newport (10⁷ CFU/mL), and dried. Each sample was put into a Ziploc® bag. Edible films pieces were put into the Ziploc bag and mixed well. The bags were sealed and stored at 4 °C. Samples were taken at days 0, 3, and 7 for enumeration of survivors. On all leafy greens, 3% carvacrol films showed the best bactericidal effects against Salmonella. All 3 types of 3% carvacrol films reduced the Salmonella population by 5 log₁₀ CFU/g at day 0 and 1.5% carvacrol films reduced Salmonella by 1 to 4 log₁₀ CFU/g at day 7. The films with 3% cinnamaldehyde showed 0.5 to 3 log reductions on different leafy greens at day 7. The films with 0.5% and 1.5% cinnamaldehyde and 0.5% carvacrol also showed varied reductions on different types of leafy greens. Edible films were the most effective against Salmonella on Iceberg lettuce. This study demonstrates the potential of edible films incorporated with carvacrol and cinnamaldehyde to inactivate S. Newport on organic leafy greens.     

明式家具的丹麦知音

<正>即使在北欧人力费用极高的情况下,卡尔·汉森·桑仍以近乎苛刻的标准进行手工制作,并将这份永恒的经典和淡然的精致传递给全世界的使用者。丹麦设计界流传着这样一则故事:1807年,英国轰炸丹麦首都哥本哈根。时任丹麦国王下令从斯德哥尔摩南部到汉堡北部,用一切办法遍植橡树以躲避战争的创伤,并规定:"每棵树都不可被砍掉,除非新种一棵。"结果,战争的炮火并未殃及丹麦,这些橡树幸运存活了下来,年复一年,长成茂密森林。闻着木香,我们来到哥本哈根繁华都市的心脏处——自1780年起就开始引领丹麦设计与工艺时尚的Bredgade大街,百年品牌卡尔·汉森·桑(Carl Hansen&Son)全球旗舰店就坐落于此。     

Media Reporting of Nuclear Emergencies: The Effects of Transparent Communication in a Minor Nuclear Event

IN 2008, a nuclear event occurred at Kr?ko nuclear power plant in Slovenia. Even though it was classified as level 0 on International Nuclear Event Scale, the transparency policy of the Slovenian nuclear safety authorities prompted it to notify the international community. This was the first time that the European Community Urgent Radiological Information Exchange (ECURIE) notification system was used outside the exercise framework. The event was reported in all major European. In this contribution, we report on a content analysis of media articles related to this event. The main research question was if a nuclear emergency generates significant media coverage, even in the case of a minor event and a transparent communication policy. The analysis included more than 200 articles from printed and spoken media in Slovenia and other countries. The analysis revealed a high‐intensity media coverage, emotional reactions and heated political discussion. The main media sources in countries with open political discussions on nuclear energy end up being the politicians, rather than resident experts.     

Residents' preferences for private amenities and trade-offs associated with various spatial densities and patterns

ABSTRACT

Northwest Arkansas planning policies, like a number of communities across the country, have identified goals working toward more sustainable, livable, and subsequently denser development patterns. However, the understanding of residents’ perceptions of such living arrangements is limited. This study provides a more nuanced understanding of Northwest Arkansas residents’ spatial preferences through a survey of residents’ preferences for private amenities and their trade-off with various spatial densities and patterns in support of sustainability. Results of the survey indicate a preference for, and experience with, single-family residential living arrangements and amenities, with the preponderance (80%) of survey respondents currently living in single-family housing. There is a preference for low-density neighborhoods even if it means sacrificing other amenities. This study is in alignment with previous research suggesting that people may learn to prefer where they live. Additionally, while the majority of survey respondents indicated a preference for communal greenspaces, renters are more likely to prefer communal greenspaces when compared to homeowners. This study indicates that attached, multi-family development and renter development in Northwest Arkansas should consider the provision of communal green spaces, walkable access to transit, and walkable access to services as desired amenities for those residents.